By Thermoelectric Potential Generator (e.g., Thermocouple) Patents (Class 374/179)
  • Patent number: 7168852
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method and a system of modules for carrying out thermal analysis of cast iron melts. The characterizing step of the method is de-termination of the position of the thermocouples used for recording cooling curves. The system comprises a thermocouple unit, a thermocouple holder, and a sampling unit. The system comprises means for ensuring that the thermocouples are correctly positioned before starting the thermal analysis. The system also comprises means for automatically transferring calibration data regarding the thermocouples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: SinterCast AB
    Inventor: Henrik Linnarsson
  • Patent number: 7163301
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mitigating a cold edge effect within a lithography mirror is presented. The apparatus includes a heated annular zone formed on a substrate and a heated optical aperture zone formed on the heated annular zone, where each zone includes a resistive layer, and where the resistive layer of at least one zone is produced such that electrical conductivity varies by increasing from the center of the resistive layer to the periphery of the resistive layer. A wiring layer in each zone includes an insulating sublayer and contacts for coupling to a power supply. A time-constant heat load on the lithography mirror is maintained by placing additional electrical heat loads on the mirror according to the actinic heat load on the mirror. Maintaining the time-constant heat load can reduce or eliminate variation in image distortion that occurs as a result of changes in the actinic heat load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: ASML Holding N.V.
    Inventor: Santiago del Puerto
  • Patent number: 7131768
    Abstract: A sensor and method of manufacturing an extended temperature range EMF sensor that is cost effective and highly reliable, with a stable EMF output and with an operating range of up to 1700° C. in hostile environments. The sensor is formed of highly stable dispersion hardened materials capable of withstanding mechanical loads and chemical attacks at elevated temperatures while maintaining internal chemical integrity. Electronics are implemented to condition the devices output and convert it to an industry standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Harco Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Samir W. Habboosh
  • Patent number: 7111982
    Abstract: A probe that includes both a temperature transducer and a pressure sensing port is adapted to be mounted upon and extend into the intake housing of a gas turbine engine. The probe is operative to provide air temperature and pressure data to an engine controller for the gas turbine engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Karl William Swonger, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7108419
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a tympanic thermometer including a heat sensing probe defining a longitudinal axis and an outer surface extending from a distal end of the tympanic thermometer. The heat sensing probe includes a sensor housing extending to a distal end thereof. A sensor can is mounted with the sensor housing and a nozzle is mounted onto the sensor housing. The sensor can includes temperature sensing electronics for sensing temperature via the heat sensing probe. The nozzle includes a base disposed with the sensor housing and an elongated cylindrical nose portion disposed about the sensor housing. The nozzle is configured to direct heat flux to the distal end of the heat sensing probe. A probe cover is mountable to the distal end of the tympanic thermometer. The probe cover has an inner surface configured to engage an outer surface of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Sherwood Services AG
    Inventor: James Harr
  • Patent number: 7090394
    Abstract: Temperature gauge, and ceramic susceptors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment utilizing the temperature gauge, in which the thermocouple may be easily replaced even if damaged, and in which heat from the temperature-gauging site is readily transmitted to the temperature-gauging contact, shortening time until the measurement temperature stabilizes. A temperature-gauging contact (12) in the tip of the thermocouple contacts, in an exposed-as-it-is state, a temperature-gauging site on a ceramic susceptor (1), and by means of a circular cylindrical-shaped retaining member (11) screwed into female threads in the ceramic susceptor (1) is detachably pressed upon and retained against the ceramic susceptor. Thermocouple lead lines (13), passing through a through-hole (14) in the retaining member (11), stretch from one end face to the other end face thereof. The retaining member may be provided with a flange having threaded holes and screwlocked into female screws in the ceramic susceptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Manabu Hashikura, Hirohiko Nakata, Masuhiro Natsuhara, Akira Kuibira
  • Patent number: 7083329
    Abstract: A method for measurement of high temperatures of a process stream by means of a thermocouple arranged in a thermowell. The thermowell is at least partly covered by a layer of a catalytic material which is active in at least one endothermic reaction. The thermowell is installed in a reactor by inserting the thermowell through a hole penetrating the reactor wall so that the tip of the thermowell is in contact with the process stream. The invention is typically used where the reaction is a reforming reaction and the reactor is an autothermal reformer fed with a hydrocarbon stream and an oxygen containing stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Haldor Topsoe A/S
    Inventors: Helen Rose Primdahl, legal representative, Tommy Hansen, Ivar I. Primdahl, deceased
  • Patent number: 7080941
    Abstract: A temperature sensing system incorporates a contact temperature sensor probe for measuring the temperature of articles. The probe is able to operate effectively even in high radio frequency environments such as those present within radio frequency excited plasma processing chambers. The temperature sensing system includes a contact temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple, surrounded by a shielding sheath of a material such as aluminum which is clad with one or more layers of a cladding material. A tip insulator is provided surrounding the sheath for providing RF insulation and thermal coupling. An RF insulating and thermal insulating mounting member is connected to the tip insulator for mounting the probe on an article to be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Benjamin, Charles Ross, Rory Babb
  • Patent number: 7044633
    Abstract: The present invention provides a temperature sensitive ring oscillator (TSRO) in an integrated circuit. A temperature measuring device, such as a thermal resistor, is proximate the TSRO, which shares a substantially similar temperature. A memory is employable for storing data that is a function of the output of the TSRO and the temperature measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Joachim Gerhard Clabes, Lawrence Joseph Powell, Jr., Daniel Lawrence Stasiak, Michael Fan Wang
  • Patent number: 7036983
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Steven R. Green, David L. Powell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7029173
    Abstract: A thermoelectric component includes a first and a second element which, in the vicinity of a contact point, are in contact with each other, e.g., in the form of a thermal contact. Furthermore, in this connection, first element and/or second element have a ceramic material at least in one vicinity of contact point. The component may be suitable as a thermocouple for measuring temperature based on the Seebeck effect, or for use in a Peltier element as a thermoelectric heating element or cooling element based on the Peltier effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Christine Engel, Wolfgang Dressler, Alexander Klonczynski, Horst Boeder
  • Patent number: 7018096
    Abstract: A temperature probe includes an elongated longitudinal tubular shaft having a hollow interior, an insulating structure mounted on the elongated shaft, and a heat conducting structure constructed of a metallic material coupled to the insulating structure. A thermocouple is coupled to the heat conducting structure and extends into the hollow interior of the elongated shaft. A control device is electrically communicated to the thermocouple and is operable to determine a temperature from the thermocouple. When the heat conducting structure is disposed within a mass of packed product, the heat conducting structure transmits thermal energy from the mass to the thermocouple and the insulting structure thermally isolates the heat conducting structure from the tubular shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Universal Leaf Tobacco Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry D Benjamin
  • Patent number: 7013718
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the performance of a turbine by monitoring the temperature in a gap between the inside of a shroud and the tips of the turbine blades as they rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Watson Cogeneration Company
    Inventors: Steve Ingistov, Michael R. Storar
  • Patent number: 7011444
    Abstract: A fire sensor comprising a baseplate, a temperature detecting element, and a protective case. The baseplate has an outside surface which serves as a heat sensing surface which is exposed to a hot airflow generated by a fire. The temperature detecting element thermally contacts with the inside surface of the baseplate to detect the temperature of the baseplate. The protective case contacts with the radially outer portion of the inside surface of the baseplate to form a hermetically sealed space between itself and the baseplate. The temperature detecting element is confined within the hermetically sealed space. The baseplate has the temperature detecting element in approximately the central portion of the inside surface thereof and also has a shape and a material which meet the condition that the product of the thickness and heat conductivity of the baseplate is 1.1×10?4 (W/K) or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Hochiki Corporation
    Inventors: Kari Mayusumi, Yukio Yamauchi, Hiroshi Shima
  • Patent number: 7011446
    Abstract: A thermocouple junction box for reducing EMF generated by a stud-and-cup configuration comprises a cup adapted to be electrically connected to a thermocouple sensing junction and a stud disposed, at least in part, within the cup, the stud being electrically isolated from the cup. In another aspect, a thermocouple junction box comprises a contact element adapted to be electrically connected to a thermocouple sensing junction and a stud mechanically coupled to the contact element by means of an insulating material and electrically isolated from the contact element by means of the insulating material. In a further aspect, a thermocouple assembly comprises a thermocouple sensing junction, a contact element, and a stud. The stud is adapted to receive thereon a conductive element electrically connected to a thermocouple cable, the stud being electrically isolated from and mechanically coupled to the contact element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Ametek, Inc.
    Inventor: Sun Park
  • Patent number: 7004626
    Abstract: In a two wire thermocouple, a hollow tip is formed of the material of one of the thermocouple wires, the tip being adapted to extend into a medium the temperature of which is to be measured, both wires extending into a passage in the tip through an open outer end of the passage toward an inner end of the passage, one of the two thermocouple wires, of a material different from said tip, extending entirely through the passage and being welded at the outside of said tip to form a thermocouple junction and the other of the wires, of the same material as the tip, being welded to the tip at a place spaced from the junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Turbo Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Melbourne F. Giberson, Gerald L. Abrams
  • Patent number: 7004622
    Abstract: A system for measuring a condition of a turbine engine component comprises an assemblage of at least a film comprising an electrically conducting material disposed on a film of an electrically non-conducting material, the assemblage being disposed on a surface of the turbine engine component without removing material from the turbine engine component to compensate for thickness of at least one of the films. The electrically non-conducting material has a thermal expansion coefficient such that each of the films remains adhered to adjacent films through at least one cycle of extreme operating temperature. In addition, communication links can be provided to transmit the measurement representing the condition of the turbine engine to a remote user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Canan Uslu Hardwicke, John William Devitt, Melvin Robert Jackson, Yuk-Chiu Lau
  • Patent number: 6994468
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heat flux comparator comprising two substantially planar and mutually parallel input faces, capable of receiving each a heat flux, and comprising a thermoelectric circuit including at least a strip of a first metallic material partly covered on one of its surfaces with first separate metal pads of a second metallic material. The heat flux comparator also comprises layers of an insulating material arranged on either side of the thermoelectric circuit, second and third pads arranged on respective faces of the two layers of insulating material which are directed away from the thermoelectric circuit. The second and third pads are made of a same material and have substantially a same thickness, and the layers of insulating material have a same thickness too.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Captec
    Inventors: Pierre Thery, Florian Raucoules
  • Patent number: 6991370
    Abstract: The temperature measuring apparatus according to the present invention is of the high melting point metal carbide—carbon system material thermocouple type. According to this temperature measuring apparatus, it is possible to measure temperatures from a room temperature range to a high temperature range in excess of 2000° C. continuously, stably and with good accuracy. A constitution is preferable wherein a rod-like member formed of high melting point metal carbide is inserted into a pipe-like member with a bottom formed of carbon system material, and connected at the bottom to serve as a temperature measuring portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeo Kofune, Takao Fujikawa
  • Patent number: 6976782
    Abstract: In a plasma processing system, a method of determining the temperature of a substrate is disclosed. The method includes positioning the substrate on a substrate support structure, wherein the substrate support structure includes a chuck. The method further includes creating a temperature calibration curve for the substrate, the temperature calibration curve being created by measuring at least a first substrate temperature with an electromagnetic measuring device, and measuring a first chuck temperature with a physical measuring device during a first isothermal state. The method also includes employing a measurement from the electromagnetic measurement device and the temperature calibration curve to determine a temperature of the substrate during plasma processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Steger
  • Patent number: 6971792
    Abstract: A device for measuring the flux received by a specimen in fire test apparatuses has a copper disk or plate of the same dimensions and the same type of surface coating as a typical material specimen, an embedded heating coil and thermocouple, and an insulated sample holder similar to that used for a specimen. The transient response of the embedded thermocouple is measured for several different levels of imposed incident radiation without electrical heating and for several different known levels of electrical heating without any imposed radiation. The principle of Electrical Substitution Radiometry (ESR) is applied, and the transient responses to incident radiation and electrical heating under identical thermal conditions are compared to determine the amount of incident radiation that is actually absorbed by the device while it is being irradiated. The situations are kept thermally identical, thereby insuring that all effects due to heat losses (e.g. convection, radiation and conduction) are exactly the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: FM Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: John L. de Ris, Mohammed M. Khan
  • Patent number: 6962437
    Abstract: A thermal measurement device for obtaining accurate thermal profiles during flip-chip semiconductor packaging and methodologies for making such devices is disclosed. Particularly, a measurement device comprised of a thermocouple sandwiched between a semiconductor packaging substrate and a semiconductor die. Such a device providing increased accuracy in temperature measurement. The present invention also teaches a packaging substrate assembled with a semiconductor die having an opening in the substrate enabling the placement of a thermocouple such that it is in contact with the die and secured in place. Additionally, methods of constructing the devices of the present invention are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: LSI Logic Corporation
    Inventors: Sarathy Rajagopalan, Minh Vuong
  • Patent number: 6962434
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting wear in a liner. In one embodiment of the present invention, an electrically conductive wire is placed on or near the outside surface of the liner and the electrical resistance in the electrically conductive wire is measured to determine whether the wire has worn through. In another embodiment of the present invention, the temperature measured by a temperature measuring device, such as a thermocouple, is monitored over time to estimate wear in the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Kerr-McGee Chemical, LLC
    Inventors: Robert O. Martin, Joe Bert Maker, Lonnie G. Hewell
  • Patent number: 6951419
    Abstract: A transparent face temperature sensor 3 for measuring temperature comprises a transparent insulating substrate 7 for the sensor, a transparent electrically conductive film 9 for the sensor provided on at least either one of the surfaces of the substrate, a pair of terminals 11 connected to the film. The wires 13 are made of copper and constantan, respectively. The sensor 3 is bonded in electrical insulation conditions, to the a transparent face heater 5, via a insulating sheet 25 and a silicone resin, and hold in a housing 27. Temperature-measuring point is not one point, but an entire surface. Accordingly, the face temperature sensor 3 can detect the average temperature over the entire surface of the sensor film 9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Tokai Hit Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideharu Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 6949286
    Abstract: A radiation-absorbing layer for a thermopile radiation detector highly absorbs incident radiation within a predetermined band of wavelengths. The layer comprises a solid construction of a mixture of an oxide of silicon and separate and/or linked particles of at least one material selected for absorbing incident radiation within the predetermined band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Nakajima, Masaki Hirota
  • Patent number: 6942381
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately measuring superheat, bath ratio and alumina concentration in an aluminum smelting bath. In one embodiment, a reusable probe determines the bath temperature and bath sample superheat. In other embodiments, the probe also determines bath composition including bath cryolite ratio and alumina concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Hosler, Xiangwen Wang, Jay N. Bruggeman, Patrick J. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 6942382
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a miniature connector with on-board electronics for a thermocouple, characterized in that it incorporates: two connection means (20, 21) for connecting a thermocouple (1) to a printed circuit (4) connecting the elements of the on-board electronics; three connection posts (230, 231, 232) from the printed circuits (4) to a connector supply and signal transfer cable (3) formed by the on-board electronics; means (24) for measuring the ambient temperature in the connector disposed between the two connection means (20, 21) of the thermocouple; means (25, 26, 27, 29) for amplifying the signal supplied by the thermocouple (1) and scaling of the signal supplied by the ambient temperature measurement means (24), these means (25, 26, 27, 29) also performing the summation of these two signals as well as the linearization of the signal resulting from this summation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Etienne Demeocq
  • Patent number: 6932504
    Abstract: A self-detecting type cantilever for an atomic force microscope (AFM) has an electro-flexural conversion element for converting a flexural amount of the cantilever into an electric current or voltage, a temperature measurement element disposed at a front end portion of the cantilever for measuring a temperature, and a heating element disposed at the front end portion of the cantilever for heating the temperature measurement element. The temperature measurement element and the heating element are superposed with each other on a main face of the cantilever via an electrical insulating layer. As a result, even if the amount of electric energy supplied to the heating element is reduced, it is possible to effectively supply an amount of heat necessary for measurement to the temperature measurement element. Therefore, by minimizing the heat to be supplied to a sample and the cantilever, the respondency of measurement is improved and temperature measurement can be performed with a high degree of accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: SII NanoTechnology Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Takahashi, Yoshiharu Shirakawabe, Tadashi Arai
  • Patent number: 6921196
    Abstract: A device and a method for testing a material, particularly a catalytically active material, are provided. In accordance with the present invention, a substance mixture is chemically converted and a radiation unit, which allows the rapid characterization of the material without a great effort, is provided for generating radiation to be at least partially absorbed by the substance mixture. At least one temperature measuring device for measuring a temperature change caused by the absorption is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Brinz
  • Patent number: 6863438
    Abstract: A micropatterned thermosensor, e.g., an infrared sensor, includes a supporting body and at least one thermocouple arranged thereon. The thermocouple also has a first material and a second material, which together form, at least in a pointwise manner, at least one thermal contact. Furthermore, it is provided that the first and/or the second material are configured at least regionally in the form of a meander-shaped or undulating-type circuit trace and extend on the supporting body. In addition, a micropatterned thermosensor having such patterned circuit traces, in which the first material is platinum or aluminum, and the second material is doped or undoped polysilicon-germanium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Thorsten Pannek, Hans-Peter Trah
  • Patent number: 6857776
    Abstract: A high-temperature connectorized thermocouple probe assembly for use in land gas turbine environments consistent with the present invention comprises a thermocouple junction having a plurality of conductors, a high temperature connector having at least one conductor, a length of cable having at least one conductor coupling at least one of the conductors of the thermocouple junction with at least one conductor of the high temperature connector; and a bushing disposed around the length of cable. In a further aspect, a land gas turbine system consistent with the present invention comprises a land gas turbine and a thermocouple probe assembly disposed at least partly within the land gas turbine, wherein the thermocouple probe assembly comprises a thermocouple junction and a high temperature connector coupled to the thermocouple junction, and wherein the thermocouple probe assembly is removably connected to, or is adapted for removable connection to, the land gas turbine via the high temperature connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Ametek, Inc.
    Inventor: Sun Park
  • Patent number: 6846105
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method for measuring the temperature of a molten steel continuously, comprises the following steps: providing a tube that is made of double bushings, both of the inner and outer bushings being close at one end and open at another end; putting the close end of the tube into the molten steel in such a way that the ratio of the length of the tube under the surface of the molten steel to the inner diameter of the inner bushing is equal or greater than 15 and the ratio of said length to the outer diameter of the outer bushing is greater than 3; connecting the open end of the tube with an infrared detector; and calculating the temperature of the molten steel through evaluating the radiation emitted by the inner bushing at the end that was put under the molten steel by means of the detector. A tube to implement the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignees: Northeastern University, Shenyang Taihe Instrumentation Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhi Xie, Rujun Chen, Hongji Meng
  • Patent number: 6844720
    Abstract: A calibration apparatus for calibrating a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) having an armature positioned in au LVDT armature orifice, and the armature able to move along an axis of movement. The calibration apparatus includes a heating mechanism with an internal chamber, a temperature measuring mechanism for measuring the temperature of the LVDT, a fixture mechanism with an internal chamber for at least partially accepting the LVDT and for securing the LVDT within the heating mechanism internal chamber, a moving mechanism for moving the armature, a position measurement mechanism for measuring the position of the armature, and an output voltage measurement mechanism. A method for calibrating an LVDT, including the steps of: powering the LVDT; heating the LVDT to a desired temperature; measuring the position of the armature with respect to the armature orifice; and measuring the output voltage of the LVDT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Robert J. Pokrywka
  • Patent number: 6837619
    Abstract: A furnace temperature detector includes a spike thermocouple attached to a heating chamber; an overheat thermocouple attached to the heating chamber; an inner thermocouple installed inside a reaction tube; a temperature controller connected to the spike thermocouple and the inner thermocouple; an overheat controller connected the overheat thermocouple; and a control switch for directing the output line of the overheat thermocouple. When the furnace overheats, the overheat thermocouple detects the overheating and generates and outputs an electric signal corresponding to the overheating to the overheat controller; the overheat controller generates and outputs an overheat control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seong-Ho Cho, Sang-Kook Choi
  • Patent number: 6834993
    Abstract: A probe for measuring the surface temperature of a pipe includes a detector assembly and a rectangular strap. The detector assembly includes a rigid, unitary clamp member having a bottom, pipe engagement surface, an oppositely disposed upper surface, and first and second locking dogs extending upwardly from the upper surface. The locking dogs define a gap having a width WG. A temperature sensor assembly is carried on the pipe engagement surface. The proximal end portion of the strap is mounted to the clamp member. The strap is flexible, longitudinally resilient and has a thickness TU in an unstretched condition and a thickness TS in a stretched condition, where TU>TS, TU>WG, and WG>TS. The probe is mounted to the pipe by positioning the pipe engagement surface of the clamp member against the pipe, wrapping the strap around the pipe, and applying a tensile force to the distal end portion of the strap such that the thickness of the strap decreases from TU to TS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Cooper Instrument Corporation
    Inventor: Peter A. Staniforth
  • Patent number: 6830374
    Abstract: This invention concerns a thermocouple which is protected by an outer sheath comprising inner and outer tubes with the annular space filled with low temperature sintering refractory material which is preferably beaded before filling in the space and in which the outer tube is constricted to compact the material. The refractory material will include borosilicate and boric acid powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Temperature Management Systems (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventor: Adrian L Gray
  • Patent number: 6830373
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a temperature measurement device, particularly to a temperature measurement device for the cold junction of a non-contact temperature measurement element, characterized in that a plurality of electrical-conductive pins is provided on the bottom surface of a base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Opto Tech Corporation
    Inventors: Hung-Te Lin, Chung-Nan Chen, Chih-Hsiung Shen
  • Patent number: 6827487
    Abstract: A device for measuring the temperature within a body from a body surface at a different temperature, comprising: a heat shield for application to the body surface, comprising an outer heat-conducting portion (52), and an inner heat-insulating portion (50); a heater or cooler (41) to heat or cool the outer portion (52) of said heat shield to the temperature of the body surface; a first temperature sensor (37) positioned on a surface of the inner heat-insulating portion (50) of the heat shield which is applied to the body surface; a second temperature sensor (38) positioned to measure the temperature of the outer portion (52) of the heat shield; a heater or cooler control circuit to heat or cool the outer portion (52) of the heat shield towards the temperature measured by the first the first temperature sensor (37); and a second control circuit to forecast the first temperature sensor (37) equilibrium temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Per Lennart Baumbach
  • Publication number: 20040240519
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the performance of a turbine by monitoring the temperature in a gap between the inside of a shroud and the tips of the turbine blades as they rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Steve Ingistov, Michael R. Storar
  • Publication number: 20040233969
    Abstract: An automatic insertion device includes a temperature sensing element structured to provide direct contact between the fluid in a pipeline and the sensor or sensing element. A valve assembly is provided to seal the interior of the conduit from its exterior when the sensing element is in its retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Applicant: Welker Engineering Company
    Inventor: Brian H. Welker
  • Patent number: 6821015
    Abstract: A sensor designed for measurement of conducted heat flux passing through a solid object consists of a thin film thermopile deposited on a planar substrate whose thermal properties match those of the solid object. The thermopile is protected by a thin rectangular plate made of the same material as the substrate. The sensor is imbedded in the solid object and measures the vector of heat flux along the thermopile axis with minimal distortion of the heat flow pattern. Applications include measurement of heat flux in casting molds, boiler tubes, well surveying instruments and laser weapons testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Hammer, Lawrence W. Langley
  • Patent number: 6817761
    Abstract: A scanning heat flow probe for making quantitative measurements of heat flow through a device under test is provided. In one embodiment the scanning heat flow probe includes an electric current conductor in a cantilever beam connected to a probe tip and coupled to two voltmeter leads. The probe also includes two thermocouple junctions in the cantilever beam electrically isolated from the electric current conductor and the two voltmeter leads. Heat flow is derived quantitatively using only voltage and current measurements. In other forms, the invention relates to the calibration of scanning heat flow probes through a method involving interconnected probes, and relates to the minimization of heat flow measurement uncertainty by probe structure design practices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Alan Cordes, David R. DiMilia, James Patrick Doyle, Matthew James Farinelli, Snigdha Ghoshal, Uttam Shyamalindu Ghoshal, Chandler Todd McDowell, Li Shi
  • Patent number: 6814486
    Abstract: A return bend temperature sensor configured to mount on a curved section of a tube. The sensor comprises a clip, the clip having a resilient arm with a contour for fitting over a curved section of pipe, and a mounting well for holding a thermal sensing device such as a thermistor, resistance temperature detector or thermocouple. The thermal sensing device is fitted into the mounting well with a thermally conductive epoxy. The outer surface of the clip is covered with molded plastic such that the clip can easily side over and grasp a curved section of tube commonly found in the return coil of a refrigeration coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Advanced Thermal Products, Inc.
    Inventor: John M Sidoni
  • Publication number: 20040213323
    Abstract: A temperature probe includes an elongated longitudinal tubular shaft having a hollow interior, an insulating structure mounted on the elongated shaft, and a heat conducting structure constructed of a metallic material coupled to the insulating structure. A thermocouple is coupled to the heat conducting structure and extends into the hollow interior of the elongated shaft. A control device is electrically communicated to the thermocouple and is operable to determine a temperature from the thermocouple. When the heat conducting structure is disposed within a mass of packed product, the heat conducting structure transmits thermal energy from the mass to the thermocouple and the insulting structure thermally isolates the heat conducting structure from the tubular shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Applicant: Universal Leaf Tobacco Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry D. Benjamin
  • Publication number: 20040208229
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for measurement of high temperatures of a process stream by means of a thermocouple arranged in a thermowell, wherein the thermowell is at least partly covered by a layer of a catalytic material being active in at least one endothermic reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Ivar Ivarsen Primdahl, Tommy Hansen
  • Publication number: 20040208228
    Abstract: Temperature gauge, and ceramic susceptors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment utilizing the temperature gauge, in which the thermocouple may be easily replaced even if damaged, and in which heat from the temperature-gauging site is readily transmitted to the temperature-gauging contact, shortening time until the measurement temperature stabilizes. A temperature-gauging contact (12) in the tip of the thermocouple contacts, in an exposed-as-it-is state, a temperature-gauging site on a ceramic susceptor (1), and by means of a circular cylindrical-shaped retaining member (11) screwed into female threads in the ceramic susceptor (1) is detachably pressed upon and retained against the ceramic susceptor. Thermocouple lead lines (13), passing through a through-hole (14) in the retaining member (11), stretch from one end face to the other end face thereof. The retaining member may be provided with a flange having threaded holes and screwlocked into female screws in the ceramic susceptor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Manabu Hashikura, Hirohiko Nakata, Masuhiro Natsuhara, Akira Kuibira
  • Patent number: 6796711
    Abstract: A contact measurement probe for measuring a temperature of a substrate in a process environment includes a probe head having a contact surface made of a ceramic material or a polymeric material for contacting the substrate. The contact measurement probe eliminates electrical biasing effects in process environments that include an ion source, thereby providing greater accuracy and reproducibility in temperature measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Bruce Colson, Aseem Kumar Srivastava
  • Publication number: 20040184508
    Abstract: The invention provides a temperature monitoring system for a semiconductor test handler. A preparation stage brings a test device to a predetermined temperature for testing at a test platform at said predetermined temperature. At least one radiation sensor, such as a thermopile device, is employed in the test handler for detecting a surface temperature of the test device by measuring radiation emitted from the test device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: ASM Assembly Automation Ltd.
    Inventors: Ching Man Stanley Tsui, Sai Kit Wong, Shing Kai Yip
  • Patent number: 6793389
    Abstract: An integrated sensor comprising a thermopile transducer and signal processing circuitry that are combined on a single semiconductor substrate, such that the transducer output signal is sampled in close vicinity by the processing circuitry. The sensor comprises a frame formed of a semiconductor material that is not heavily doped, and with which a diaphragm is supported. The diaphragm has a first surface for receiving thermal (e.g., infrared) radiation, and comprises multiple layers that include a sensing layer containing at least a pair of interlaced thermopiles. Each thermopile comprises a sequence of thermocouples, each thermocouple comprising dissimilar electrically-resistive materials that define hot junctions located on the diaphragm and cold junctions located on the frame. The signal processing circuitry is located on the frame and electrically interconnected with the thermopiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Abhijeet V. Chavan, James H. Logsdon, Dan W. Chilcott, Han-Sheng S. Lee, David K. Lambert, Timothy A. Vas
  • Publication number: 20040161014
    Abstract: The temperature measuring apparatus according to the present invention is of the high melting point metal carbide—carbon system material thermocouple type. According to this temperature measuring apparatus, it is possible to measure temperatures from a room temperature range to a high temperature range in excess of 2000° C. continuously, stably and with good accuracy. A constitution is preferable wherein a rod-like member formed of high melting point metal carbide is inserted into a pipe-like member with a bottom formed of carbon system material, and connected at the bottom to serve as a temperature measuring portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho(Kobe Steel, Ltd.)
    Inventors: Shigeo Kofune, Takao Fujikawa