By Thermoelectric Potential Generator (e.g., Thermocouple) Patents (Class 374/179)
  • Patent number: 6776524
    Abstract: A thermocouple probe assembly is provided that includes at least one ball bushing placed along the length of the assembly to dampen vibrations and thereby reduce mechanical stress on the assembly. A rake thermocouple is provided that includes a plurality of probe tubes arranged parallel to one another, and each probe assembly is placed into an individual probe tube. Each probe tube has a window defined therein, and an air inlet port extending from the window generally perpendicular to the probe tube. The rake also includes a mated end cap and cup bushing with a defined gap between the inside diameter of the cup bushing and the outside diameter of the end cap to further dampen mechanical stress on the rake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Ametek, Inc.
    Inventors: Sun Park, John V. Ginkus
  • Patent number: 6777961
    Abstract: A sensor has a series circuit, which includes first and second end terminals, a set of thermocouples electrically connected in series between the first end terminal and the second end terminal, and electrical inspection terminals, which extend from corresponding intermediate points in the series circuit between the first end terminal and the second end terminal to divide the set of thermocouples into smaller groups of thermocouples. A resistance value of each group of thermocouples is measured through adjacent two of the first and second end terminals and the electrical inspection terminals while the sensor is in a wafer state. Whether the thermopile infrared sensor is normal is determined based on the measured resistance value of each group of thermocouples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuaki Hamamoto, Inao Toyoda
  • Patent number: 6772085
    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: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC
    Inventors: Arthur D. Watkins, Collins P. Cannon, Charles R. Tolle
  • Publication number: 20040146088
    Abstract: A patty temperature probe includes a handle having oppositely disposed proximal and distal ends and a shaft member having oppositely disposed proximal and distal end portions and a longitudinally extending bore, the proximal end portion of the shaft member being mounted to the distal end of the handle. A thermocouple including a sheath having a pointed, solid tip, extends from the distal end portion of the shaft member. The thermocouple junction is disposed within the sheath, with the metallic wires extending from the sheath through the bore of the shaft member to an electrical connector. A V-shaped depth stop includes a foot segment and a mounting segment extending from the foot segment. The mounting segment is mounted to the distal end portion of the shaft member, with the thermocouple extending through an opening in the foot segment. The outer surface of the sheath and the inner surface of the opening defining an annular gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Applicant: Atkins Technical Inc.
    Inventors: Jorge M. Parra, Scott C. Cutright
  • Patent number: 6767129
    Abstract: A microwave power sensor and a method for manufacturing the same. The microwave power sensor includes a semiconductor substrate with a nitride or oxide film formed thereon. A membrane which is a portion of the nitride or oxide film is floated by removing a portion of the semiconductor substrate. First and second thermocouple groups are formed to be symmetrically spaced apart from each other on the membrane. An RF input end is formed on the nitride or oxide film. A heating resistor is formed on the membrane to be connected with the RF input end. First and second ground plates are formed on the nitride or oxide film at both sides of the RF input end. A third ground plate is formed on the nitride or oxide film to be connected with the heating resistor and electrically connected with the first and second ground plates. The first and second output terminals are formed on the semiconductor substrate to be connected with the first and second thermocouple groups, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Korea Electronics Technology Institute
    Inventors: Dae Sung Lee, Kyung Il Lee, Hak In Hwang
  • Patent number: 6761480
    Abstract: A thermocouple holder assembly for a furnace tube including a heat sink block for welding to the furnace tube, the heat sink block having a first bore therein for slidably receiving the distal end of an elongated sheathed thermocouple, the heat sink block having a hollow heat sink tube extending from the first bore for receiving a portion of the thermocouple, and a heat shield for welding to the furnace tube having walls for shielding and completely enclosing the heat sink block to shield the heat sink block from ambient heat on the exterior of the heat shield, the heat shield having a cavity therein for receipt of the heat sink block and the heat sink tube and flexible insulation material placed over the heat sink block and the heat sink tube, one of the walls having a second bore extending therethrough to the cavity for slidably receiving the thermocouple, the second bore being positioned in the heat shield wall for alignment with the heat sink tube for conveying the thermocouple through the second bore to
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventors: Charles William Parnicza, Charles Wesley Parnicza
  • Publication number: 20040114664
    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: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: AMETEK, Inc.
    Inventor: Sun Park
  • Publication number: 20040114666
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine comprises (A) a turbine including a nozzle and shroud assembly supported within the engine; the nozzle and shroud assembly including an inner annular ring member, an outer annular ring structure and a plurality of airfoils being positioned between the inner and outer ring structure, wherein at least one of the airfoils of the plurality comprises; (i) a substrate comprising a first electrically conducting material; and (ii) a wire of dissimilar electrically conducting material extending a measured distance in intimate contact with the substrate at a reference point and electrically insulated to a measuring point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Canan Uslu Hardwicke, Melvin Robert Jackson, Michael Francis Xavier Gigliotti, Stephen F. Rutkowski, Robert John Zabala
  • Publication number: 20040114665
    Abstract: The present invention provides a thermocouple rake that may readily be removed and reinstalled into a separate turbine. Further, a cantilevered thermocouple rake is provided, wherein the installed rake requires fixation at only one end. A thermocouple rake consistent with the invention also comprises a plurality of rigid guide and support tubes for strength and stiffness, and comprises a plurality of thermocouple junctions in each guide tube at different lengths along the tube, for taking readings at various distances from the turbine wall. The present invention further provides a thermocouple rake having tubing of various diameters to protect against vortex shedding. A plurality of spacers serve as damping during vibration allowing the rake (or at least a portion thereof) to survive vibration at its natural frequency. A stop and tapered bushing configuration effects better damping and longevity in high vibration environments, e.g., in gas turbines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Sun Park, Scott Bittman
  • Publication number: 20040086025
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling current input to an electrical resistance element such as a seal blade. A heating sensing element such as a thermocouple monitors the temperature of a component of the sealing jaw, such as a conductive mounting member supporting the seal element. When the sensed temperature is above or below a predetermined value, the duration of the impulse current is modified until the temperature falls within a predetermined range or to a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas P. Orsini, Russell T. Christman
  • Patent number: 6726357
    Abstract: The present invention involves identifying media type in a media processing device. A system according to one embodiment of the invention includes a thermal energy source and a thermal energy sensor. The thermal energy source and thermal energy sensor are arranged along a media feed path so as to accommodate transfer of thermal energy to the media by the thermal energy source, diffusion of such thermal energy, and subsequent sensing of such diffused thermal energy to determine a heat capacity of the media, such heat capacity being indicative of media type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Phillip R. Luque, Jeffrey S. Weaver
  • Patent number: 6702458
    Abstract: Device for the installation in an air-gas feeding duct, a standard thermocouple to provide both a cold safety function in case of extinction, and a hot safety function, without any additional device, in case of internal combustion. The downstream portion of the bulb side (4) of the thermocouple penetrates into the air-gas duct (2). Its probe tip (3) is immobilized against the inner surface of the diffusion chamber (5) at the center of the combustion chamber (6). Its connector (16) is secured to its exit point from the duct (2) at a marker-projection (17) by a lock (15). The life span of the thermocouple is considerably increased through permanent cooling by the fresh air-gas mixture of the elements proximate to combustion. In case of internal combustion, the inversion of temperature gradients of the cold and hot junctions of the thermocouple causes the generated electromotive force to fall rapidly. The device is designed for high temperature confinement burners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Centre d'Etude et de Realisations D'Equipment et de Materiel (Cerem)
    Inventor: Joseph Sirand
  • Publication number: 20040037350
    Abstract: A thermocouple holder assembly for a furnace tube including a heat sink block for welding to the furnace tube, the heat sink block having a first bore therein for slidably receiving the distal end of an elongated sheathed thermocouple, the heat sink block having a hollow heat sink tube extending from the first bore for receiving a portion of the thermocouple, and a heat shield for welding to the furnace tube having walls for shielding and completely enclosing the heat sink block to shield the heat sink block from ambient heat on the exterior of the heat shield, the heat shield having a cavity therein for receipt of the heat sink block and the heat sink tube and flexible insulation material placed over the heat sink block and the heat sink tube, one of the walls having a second bore extending therethrough to the cavity for slidably receiving the thermocouple, the second bore being positioned in-the heat shield wall for alignment with the heat sink tube for conveying the thermocouple through the second bore to
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Charles William Parmicza, Charles Wesley Parmicza
  • Patent number: 6692145
    Abstract: A micromachined thermal probe has a substrate with a surface and an edge, and at least one flexible probe body formed on the substrate that includes a cantilever beam section that extends from a proximal end outwardly to a distal end. A pair of conductors in the probe body extend to a junction at the distal end at which is formed a probe tip. Current passed through the conductors to the junction heats the probe tip, with changes in the effective probe resistance occurring as the probe tip is scanned over a sample with different thermal conductivities at different positions. A second flexible probe body may be mounted to the substrate and constructed similarly to the first probe body to act as a reference probe to allow compensation of the first probe. The probe body may be formed of layers of flexible polymer joined together over pairs of conductors, which is bent back onto itself and secured together at a proximal end of the cantilever beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Yogesh B. Gianchandani, Mo-Huang Li, Julius Wu
  • Publication number: 20040028117
    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: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    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: 6679627
    Abstract: A temperature sensor is supported in a device which floats in a liquid, the temperature of which is to be determined. Typically the sensor is the hot thermocouple element of a thermocouple and the liquid is a molten metal; the device may be constructed to float with the temperature sensor disposed at a desired distance below the upper surface of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: RDC Controle LTEE
    Inventor: Claude Allaire
  • Publication number: 20040004993
    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: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Seong-Ho Cho, Sang-Kook Choi
  • Publication number: 20030231698
    Abstract: A semiconductor device fabricating apparatus includes a thermocouple and a temperature measuring member. The temperature measuring member has thermal characteristics identical or substantially identical to those of a target substrate, a maximum outer diameter smaller than that thereof, and a thickness identical or substantially identical to that thereof. The thermocouple has a thermal junction point connected to the temperature measuring member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Takatomo Yamaguchi, Toshimitsu Miyata, Kazuhiko Kudo, Yukio Hishinuma
  • Publication number: 20030231697
    Abstract: A system and method for regulating the temperature of a sensor to reduce temperature gradients that form within the sensor. In one embodiment, the temperature gradients are reduced utilizing a temperature regulator with two controlled zones that surround a variable capacitance sensor. Measurements are made for the ambient temperature of at least one of the two temperature controlled zones, and the temperature differential between the two temperature controlled zones. The temperature regulator then adjusts the temperature of the two controlled zones based upon this differential in order to minimize the existing temperature gradient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: Mykrolis Corporation
    Inventors: Michael W. Fortner, Shiyuan Cheng, Daryl L. Buchanan, Dwight S. Larson
  • Patent number: 6655834
    Abstract: A sensor, in particular thermal sensor, having a silicon element and a largely self-supporting membrane layer equipped with at least one sensor element, is proposed. The membrane layer is furthermore spaced away from the silicon element by way of at least one contact column and is at least largely supported thereby. The contact column moreover makes electrical contact to the sensor element. Also proposed is a method for manufacturing a largely self-supporting membrane, a polymer layer first being deposited on a base element, patterned, and equipped with at least one cutout. The cutout is subsequently filled with a filler material, and a membrane layer is applied onto the polymer layer. Lastly, the polymer layer is removed again. The proposed method for manufacturing a largely self-supporting membrane layer is suitable in particular for constructing a sensor, in particular a thermal sensor or a thermal sensor array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Wilhelm Frey, Karsten Funk
  • Publication number: 20030219060
    Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a method comprising providing an input signal from a first differential temperature sensor to a first primary coil of a transformer, and detecting a transient signal from a secondary coil of the transformer, said transient signal arising upon a halting of the input signal. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. This abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Sloneker, Donald Polsky, Anatoly Zhagrov
  • Patent number: 6652139
    Abstract: A method of fabricating 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. The invention also 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: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    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: 6634788
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Meteolabor AG
    Inventors: Paul Ruppert, Thomas Brossi
  • Publication number: 20030193988
    Abstract: A method of measuring the concentration of a molten bath component comprises the steps of placing a test sample in contact with the molten bath sample, measuring a change in temperature of that sample due to dissolution of the test sample, and determining the concentration of the component in that molten bath based on the change in sample temperature. The test sample can comprise alumina, and the molten bath can comprise a cryolite bath. The test sample can be placed in a probe chamber, which is then immersed in the molten bath, opened to permit the sample of the molten bath to enter the probe chamber, and closed prior to the step of measuring a change in temperature of the sample of the molten bath. An apparatus for measuring the concentration of the component in a molten bath is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Calvin Bates
  • Patent number: 6632018
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Isshiki, Takayuki Suzuki, Hideki Kita
  • Patent number: 6632017
    Abstract: A thermocouple sensing element comprising a first electrically conductive member formed of one of two dissimilar metals and a second electrically conductive member formed of the second of the two dissimilar metals attached to the first electrically conductive member, and located within the first electrically conductive member, the first electrically conductive member and the second electrically conductive member forming two elements which generate an electrical potential difference under varying conditions of heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Steven B. Cress
  • Publication number: 20030185280
    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: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Michael Bruce Colson, Aseem Kumar Srivastava
  • Publication number: 20030174756
    Abstract: The protective cap for a thermocouple in a gasifier is installed at an opening of a thermocouple cavity in a hot-face lining of the reaction chamber of the gasifier. The cap is a generally disc-shaped structure that, in one embodiment, includes an upper slag deflecting surface and a lower receding surface. Slag is deflected by the slag deflecting surface over the receding surface to bypass the receding surface. A counterbore is formed in the refractory lining to accommodate the protective cap and to enable the protective cap to be recessed in the refractory lining. Holes can be formed in the cap with an upward incline to minimize the possibility of downwardly moving slag flowing through the holes into the thermocouple cavity. The holes can be made small enough to minimize the risk of allowing excessive radiant heat from reaching the gasifier vessel or shell. A peripheral edge of the cap has upper and lower portions that slope downwardly to help maintain the cap in its position in the counterbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: John Corwyn Groen
  • Publication number: 20030156623
    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: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Steven Alan Cordes, David R. DiMilia, James Patrick Doyle, Matthew James Farinelli, Snigdha Ghoshal, Uttam Shyamalindu Ghoshal, Chandler Todd McDowell, Li Shi
  • Publication number: 20030147451
    Abstract: Amplifying device for a sensor (10) delivering a response in voltage or impedance comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Pierre Temple-Boyer, Gergard Sarrabayrouse, Augustin Martinez, Jerome Launay
  • Patent number: 6599012
    Abstract: A thermowell adapter secures a sheathed and flanged sensor within an internally threaded thermowell. The thermowell adapter has a head and a body extending from the head. The body of the thermowell adapter has external threading for mating with the internally threaded thermowell. A passageway within the head and body defines an axis coaxially with the external threading. The sheathed and flanged probe extends within the passageway such that a sensing element of the sheathed and flanged probe extends into the thermowell. An axial securement on the head prevents the sheathed and flanged probe from moving axially in the passageway. A rotational securement that is separate from the axial securement interacts in a mating relationship with squeeze locations on the sheathed and flanged probe to prevent the probe from rotating about its axis in the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Mamac Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: S. Asim Gul
  • Patent number: 6599011
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Daily Thermetrics
    Inventors: Jeffrey N. Daily, Robert F. Poteet, Michael W. Rahn, Larry D. Welch
  • Publication number: 20030133492
    Abstract: To provide a temperature control device and a temperature control method, which are capable of applying temperature control with high accuracy to an object of temperature control and facilitating removal of the object of temperature control to reduce cost at the time of replacement, and an ink-jet recording apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Toshiaki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6589370
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device that absorbs infra-red radiation, which comprises as a coupler element for the infra-red radiation, an element made of a quasi-crystalline alloy, made up of one or more quasi-crystalline phases, the volume of which represents at least 40% by volume of the quasi-crystalline alloy, a quasi-crystalline phase being either a quasi-crystalline phase in the strict sense, or an approximating phase or an approximating compound. The invention is used in applications such as in a bolometer, infra-red filter, thermocouple, or hot plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignees: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Societe Nouvelle de Metallisation Industries
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Dubois, Francis Machizaud
  • Patent number: 6589449
    Abstract: A high-melting-point conductive oxide includes a mixture of a powdered Sr compound and Ru compound and/or Ru metal. The mixture is sintered at a primary temperature of 900° C. to 1300° C. in an atmosphere containing oxygen to form a sintered body that is pulverized back to a powder. The powder is given a desired shape that is again sintered, this time at a secondary temperature of 1000° C. to 1500° C. higher than the primary temperature, again in an atmosphere containing oxygen. The high-melting point conductive oxide is used as a heating element for high-temperature use, an electrode material for high-temperature use, a material for high-temperature thermocouple use and a light-emitting material for high-temperature use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignees: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Shinichi Ikeda, Naoki Shirakawa, Hiroshi Bando
  • Publication number: 20030112844
    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: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: 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: 6579005
    Abstract: A method for determining oxidation in turbine buckets allows for conditional based maintenance of the turbine buckets. The method includes measuring a temperature of a turbine bucket and comparing the measured temperature to a temperature of a reference turbine bucket to determine the condition of the bucket. The method provides useful temperature data to determine if the turbine should be stopped and the bucket serviced. This method may be used in place of interval based maintenance to increase bucket life, reduce bucket failure, and increase turbine operating time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Michael David Ingallinera
  • Patent number: 6575623
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Cardiostream, Inc.
    Inventor: Randell L. Werneth
  • Publication number: 20030099279
    Abstract: A thermoelectric structure and device including at least first and second material systems having different lattice constants and interposed in contact with each other, and a physical interface at which the at least first and second material systems are joined with a lattice mismatch and at which structural integrity of the first and second material systems is substantially maintained. The at least first and second material systems have a charge carrier transport direction normal to the physical interface and preferably periodically arranged in a superlattice structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: Research Triangle Insitute
    Inventors: Rama Venkatasubramanian, Edward Siivola, Thomas Colpitts, Brooks O'Quinn
  • Patent number: 6565255
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Simon Ralph Sanderson
  • Publication number: 20030091092
    Abstract: A thermoelectric component (5) is proposed, which has a first and a second element (10, 11) which, in the vicinity of a contact point (12), are in contact with each other, particularly in the form of a thermal contact. Furthermore, in this connection, first element (10) and/or second element (11) have a ceramic material at least in one vicinity of contact point (12). The proposed component (5) is especially 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: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Christine Engel, Wolfgang Dressler, Alexander Klonczynski, Horst Boeder
  • Publication number: 20030081651
    Abstract: A micromachined thermal probe has a substrate with a surface and an edge, and at least one flexible probe body formed on the substrate that includes a cantilever beam section that extends from a proximal end outwardly to a distal end. A pair of conductors in the probe body extend to a junction at the distal end at which is formed a probe tip. Current passed through the conductors to the junction heats the probe tip, with changes in the effective probe resistance occurring as the probe tip is scanned over a sample with different thermal conductivities at different positions. A second flexible probe body may be mounted to the substrate and constructed similarly to the first probe body to act as a reference probe to allow compensation of the first probe. The probe body may be formed of layers of flexible polymer joined together over pairs of conductors, which is bent back onto itself and secured together at a proximal end of the cantilever beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Yogesh B. Gianchandani, Mo-Huang Li, Julius Wu
  • Patent number: 6550963
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Daily Instruments
    Inventors: Jeffrey N. Daily, Robert F. Poteet, Michael W. Rahn, Larry D. Welch
  • Publication number: 20030072351
    Abstract: A temperature-sensing device of a mobile terminal is provided. The device comprises a pulse amplitude module (PAM), a mobile station modem (MSM) having ground and temperature-sensing terminals for controlling the PAM, and an electrical circuit. The circuit comprises first and second conductors, each having first and second ends. The first end of the first conductor is connected to the ground terminal, the first end of the second conductor is connected to the temperature-sensing terminal, and the second ends of the first and second conductors are connected to each other to form a junction. With the conductors oppositely charged and the junction situated adjacent to the PAM, the temperature difference between the junction and the MSM generates an electromotive force due to the Seebeck effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Min-Yup Shin
  • Patent number: 6543934
    Abstract: A probe for temperature measurement, comprising a probe, body which has a cylindrical hole into which a thermocouple or a resistance thermometer can be inserted, whose thermosensitive tip projects from the forward section of the probe body, the forward section of the probe body being provided with an annular gap at a small distance from the cylindrical hole .
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus Hammer, Wilhelm Weber
  • Publication number: 20030063653
    Abstract: A thermocouple probe assembly is provided that includes at least one ball bushing placed along the length of the assembly to dampen vibrations and thereby reduce mechanical stress on the assembly. A rake thermocouple is provided that includes a plurality of probe tubes arranged parallel to one another, and each probe assembly is placed into an individual probe tube. Each probe tube has a window defined therein, and an air inlet port extending from the window generally perpendicular to the probe tube. The rake also includes a mated end cap and cup bushing with a defined gap between the inside diameter of the cup bushing and the outside diameter of the end cap to further dampen mechanical stress on the rake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Sun Park, John V. Ginkus
  • Patent number: 6536950
    Abstract: An improved apparatus including a thermocouple for measuring the temperature in a gasification process is provided. The improvement includes a sapphire reinforced outer protection tube for enclosing at least a portion of the thermocouple. The sapphire reinforced outer protection tube may be integrally formed around an inner protection tube, the inner protection tube being receptive of a sapphire-sheathed thermocouple. The apparatus may be inserted directly into a gasification stream without the use of a thermowell. The sapphire reinforced outer protection tube increases the life of the thermocouples used in gasification processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Green, Kent Santos
  • Patent number: 6536949
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Richard R. Heuser
  • Patent number: 6536945
    Abstract: A heat flux measuring device for transporting through a heated chamber, the device having an array of sensors, each sensor comprising first and second surfaces bounding a region, a thermally insulating layer substantially occupying said region, and means for providing a signal which is a measure of the temperature difference across the layer. The said first surface of each sensor is in thermal contact with a heat sink and the said second surface of each sensor is exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: United Biscuits (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Robert Mitchell Rolston
  • Patent number: 6517241
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Simon Ralph Sanderson