Specimen Is Part Of Thermoelectric Circuit Patents (Class 374/180)
  • Patent number: 10365165
    Abstract: A thermocouple assembly for measuring the temperature of a pipe, comprises a pipe clamp having a pair of dissimilar metal strips mounted therein to contact a pipe held in the pipe clamp. A thermocouple reading instrument is connected to the metal strips to indicate the temperature of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Fieldpiece Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Rey Harju, Travis Ault
  • Publication number: 20150131701
    Abstract: A thermocouple including first and second thermoelements arranged to define a hot junction and a cold junction. A thermometer is coupled to at least one of the first and second thermoelements to measure the temperature of said cold junction independent of electronics used for conditioning a signal of said thermocouple. The thermoelements may be thick film elements coupled to a substrate. The thermometer may also be coupled to the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Kayvan Hedayat
  • Publication number: 20150092812
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for measuring a thermoelectric device. The apparatus includes a high temperature heater controlling a temperature of a first side of a sample, a low temperature heater controlling a temperature of a second side of the sample, a fine control heater controlling the temperature of the first side of the sample by a smaller unit than the high temperature heater, a temperature control and voltage measuring unit controlling the high temperature heater, the low temperature heater, and the fine control heater and measuring voltages of the first and second sides of the sample, and a thermal conductivity measuring unit measuring thermal conductivity of the sample by using a high temperature output voltage generated in the first side of the sample and a low temperature output voltage generated in the second side of the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Dong Suk JUN, Moon Gyu JANG, Won Chul CHOI
  • Publication number: 20150064526
    Abstract: A temperature sensor is described for detecting a temperature of a battery cell. The temperature sensor has a first electrical conductor having a first end for connecting the first conductor to an element of the battery cell and having a second end for connecting the first conductor to a first input of a measuring device and a second electrical conductor having a first end for connecting the second conductor to the element of the battery cell and having a second end for connecting the second conductor to a second input of the measuring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Reiner Ramsayer
  • Patent number: 8821014
    Abstract: A temperature detecting element is fixed reliably at an accurate position to enable improvement in a rising characteristic of a temperature and high-accuracy temperature control. Provided is a temperature sensor including a temperature detecting element detecting a temperature in a branch tube branched from a main tube and a positioning supporting mechanism positioning and supporting the temperature detecting element. Tension is applied to a cord of the temperature detecting element. The positioning supporting mechanism is supported by the tensioned cord to position and support the temperature detecting element. The positioning supporting mechanism includes a supporting tube supporting the temperature detecting element, a positioning member supporting the supporting tube and fixed at a set position, and a tensioner applying tension to the cord of the temperature detecting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignees: Tokyo Electron Limited, Fenwal Controls of Japan, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takanori Saito, Koji Yoshii, Tsutomu Kurihara, Tomoya Okamura
  • Publication number: 20140003466
    Abstract: A single-contact tunneling thermometry circuit includes a tunnel junction formed between two objects. Junction temperature gradient information is determined based on a mathematical relationship between a target alternating voltage applied across the junction and the junction temperature gradient. Total voltage measured across the junction indicates the magnitude of the target alternating voltage. A thermal gradient is induced across the junction. A reference thermovoltage is measured when zero alternating voltage is applied across the junction. An increasing alternating voltage is applied while measuring a thermovoltage component and a DC rectification voltage component created by the applied alternating voltage. The target alternating voltage is reached when the thermovoltage is nullified or doubled by the DC rectification voltage depending on the sign of the reference thermovoltage. Thermoelectric current and current measurements may be utilized in place of the thermovoltage and voltage measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventor: Petro Maksymovych
  • Patent number: 8610069
    Abstract: A dual-coplanar sensor architecture is constructed by launching from coaxial airline to a unique arrangement of coplanar waveguides, arranged symmetrically on both sides of a thin dielectric substrate. The center conductor of the coaxial airline makes electrical contact with the middle conductor of both the top and bottom coplanar waveguides. The characteristic impedance of the top and bottom coplanar waveguides is designed to be approximately twice the characteristic impedance of the coaxial airline, such that the parallel combination of the two coplanar waveguides is the characteristic impedance of the coaxial airline. Further, steps in both the ground planes and center conductor at the point of transition from coaxial to coplanar are used to tune the launch and minimize reflection at the launch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Tegam, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Swank, Jefferson D. Lexa, Andrew S. Brush
  • Publication number: 20110255568
    Abstract: A thermal sensor includes a comparator having a first and second input nodes. A reference voltage generator is electrically coupled with the first input node. The reference voltage generator is configured to provide a reference voltage that is substantially temperature-independent. A temperature sensing circuit is electrically coupled with the second input node. The temperature sensing circuit is configured to provide a temperature-dependent voltage. The temperature sensing circuit includes a current mirror. A first metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) transistor is electrically coupled between the current mirror and ground. A first resistor is electrically coupled with the current mirror. A second MOS transistor is electrically coupled with the first resistor in series. The second MOS transistor and the first resistor are electrically coupled with the first MOS transistor in a parallel fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Steven SWEI
  • Patent number: 7513686
    Abstract: Various devices for measuring an electronic device lid are provided. In one aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes an integrated circuit, a lid for positioning on the integrated circuit, and a junction of two dissimilar metals associated with the lid. The junction provides a thermocouple to provide an output signal representative of a temperature of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph M. Schaffer
  • Patent number: 7377208
    Abstract: A cooking pan with a temperature display function includes a pan body and a handle. An extra bottom layer is provided at a bottom of the pan body with a metallic plate sandwiched in between the bottom of the pan body and the extra bottom layer. An installation hole is located at a side of the metallic plate with a temperature sensor installed inside the hole. A display unit is placed on the handle and the temperature sensor is connected to the display unit via connection wires. This cooking pan can show the temperature of the bottom of the pan body precisely and quickly, so that the user can control the timing better.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Mingle Metal (Shen Zhen) Co. Limited
    Inventors: Waiming Ho, Ming Lee
  • Patent number: 7175343
    Abstract: A multi-element thermocouple circuit includes at least two temperature measuring junctions. A first temperature measuring junction is formed by first and second thermoelements, each of the first and second thermoelements being formed of a noble metal or a noble metal alloy. The second temperature measuring junction, which connects to the distal end of the first thermoelement, is formed by third and fourth thermoelements, neither of which is formed from a noble metal or a noble alloy. A fifth thermoelement connects to the distal end of the second thermoelement and is formed of the same material as the fourth thermoelement. During operation, the distal ends of the third and fourth thermoelements define therebetween a first voltage difference corresponding to a temperature at the second temperature measuring junction, while the distal ends of the fourth and fifth thermoelements define a second voltage difference from which a temperature at the first temperature measuring junction may be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace
    Inventor: Richard W. Phillips
  • Patent number: 7044638
    Abstract: A multi-element thermocouple circuit includes at least two temperature measuring junctions. A first temperature measuring junction is formed by first and second thermoelements, each of the first and second thermoelements being formed of a noble metal or a noble metal alloy. The second temperature measuring junction, which connects to the distal end of the first thermoelement, is formed by third and fourth thermoelements, neither of which is formed from a noble metal or a noble alloy. A fifth thermoelement connects to the distal end of the second thermoelement and is formed of the same material as the fourth thermoelement. During operation, the distal ends of the third and fourth thermoelements define therebetween a first voltage difference corresponding to a temperature at the second temperature measuring junction, while the distal ends of the fourth and fifth thermoelements define a second voltage difference from which a temperature at the first temperature measuring junction may be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Phillips
  • Patent number: 6860192
    Abstract: A digital frying pan provides temperature and/or food doneness information associated with food cooked within the pan. A thermal sensor coupled with the pan senses temperature and generates corresponding signals, and processing electronics coupled with the sensor convert the signals to data for display on a LCD. A warning buzzer or LED warns the user of completed cooking. The frying pan may be programmed to desired food types or personal temperatures or food doneness options. The invention also provides a remote sensing food doneness system for remotely viewing and then determining food temperature and/or food doneness. The remote system uses thermal imaging optics and thermal sensing techniques to remotely sense food temperature. Preferably a second optical element images the food onto a CCD to display an image of the food to a user. The system is mounted by a user who views the CCD to ensure appropriate placement in line of sight from the food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventor: Richard Sharpe
  • Patent number: 6848355
    Abstract: A handle (20) for cooking utensils, particularly pots or pans, of the type designed to be joined to the edge of the utensil (10), is made of a material, with low heat conductivity and equipped with an elongated plate (30) made of a material with high heat conductivity, having one terminal section in thermal contact with the body of the utensil (10) and the other end far from it, and with thermo-chromatic means (40) applied on the plate (30) and preferably consisting of crystals having (42a-42f) the ability to change color within predetermined ranges of temperature, so as to display information, related to the temperature of the bottom of the utensil, in different areas of the plate (30)
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: TVS S.p.A.
    Inventor: Pacenti Giulio Cesare
  • Publication number: 20040047398
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for measuring thermoelectric characteristics of a combinatorial sample, wherein the method and device are useful for rapid sample evaluation, the investigation of thermoelectric materials, and the carrier control of semiconductors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Hideomi Koinuma, Hitoshi Kawaji, Kenji Itaka, Hideki Minami
  • Patent number: 6595686
    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). The invention is characterized in that the outer side of the wall (6) of the housing (4) is essentially covered with a hydrophilic layer (8) made of material capable of absorbing moisture, and the wall (6) of the housing (4) comprises heat conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: TriloG Thermotechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Detlef Rengshausen, Bodo Rengshausen-Fischbach
  • Patent number: 6578469
    Abstract: A digital frying pan provides temperature and/or food doneness information associated with food cooked within the pan. A thermal sensor coupled with the pan senses temperature and generates corresponding signals, and processing electronics coupled with the sensor convert the signals to data for display on a LCD. A warning buzzer or LED warns the user of completed cooking. The frying pan may be programmed to desired food types or personal temperatures or food doneness options. The invention also provides a remote sensing food doneness system for remotely viewing and then determining food temperature and/or food doneness. The remote system uses thermal imaging optics and thermal sensing techniques to remotely sense food temperature. Preferably a second optical element images the food onto a CCD to display an image of the food to a user. The system is mounted by a user who views the CCD to ensure appropriate placement in line of sight from the food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Digital Cookware, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Sharpe
  • Patent number: 6072165
    Abstract: A thin film thermocouple having junctions (2, 7) of metal and semiconducting metal oxides such as tin oxide/silver, and used as surface temperature sensors in conjunction with thin film heating elements (1) to control temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Thermo-Stone USA, LLC
    Inventor: Bernard Feldman
  • Patent number: 5934181
    Abstract: A sensor for measuring the temperature of the utensil is an infrared sensor arranged at a location of the utensil such that it can receive the infrared radiation emitted by the heating surface, the sensor being connected to an electronic circuit capable of converting the variation in the infrared radiation caused by the heating of the utensil into an electrical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventor: David Adamczewski
  • Patent number: 5758970
    Abstract: Two electrical wires are connected to the surface of an electrically conductive solid body at two measurement points located on either side of a crack in the surface of the body. The two wires form a thermoelectric couple. A constant DC current is applied to the body. The two wires are connected to a device for measuring the extent of the crack and another device for measuring the temperature of the crack. By measuring the potential difference during application and interruption of the DC electric current to the body, it is possible to simultaneously obtain a measurement of the extent of the crack and a measurement of the temperature of the crack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Societe Nationale d'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviation "Snecma"
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Aubert
  • Patent number: 5441344
    Abstract: Measurement and display of the temperature of a cooking surface of a cooking utensil is provided by a temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple, in thermal contact either directly with the cooking surface or through a clamp on the side of the cooking utensil in close proximity to the cooking surface, and a temperature measuring and display electrically connected to the sensor at a location on the handle of the cooking utensil or on the upper end of the clamp for convenient viewing of the temperature of the cooking surface at a location away from the temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Inventor: Walter R. Cook, III
  • Patent number: 5048973
    Abstract: A plug-type heat flux gauge formed in a material specimen and having a thermoplug integrally formed in the material specimen, and a method for making the same. The thermoplug is surrounded by a concentric annulus, through which thermocouple wires are routed. The end of each thermocouple wire is welded to the thermoplug, with each thermocouple wire welded at a different location along the length of the thermoplug. The thermoplug and concentric annulus may be formed in the material specimen by electrical discharge machining and trepanning procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: United States of America, as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Curt H. Liebert, John Koch, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5046858
    Abstract: A multi-channel remote-temperature-sensing system has a reference temperature assembly for the reference junctions of a plurality of temperature sensors for determining temperatures at remote points. The assembly comprises an array of components each adapted to make thermal contact with a reference junction of a remote-temperature-sensing thermocouple, an absolute reference thermometer situated within the array for measuring an absolute reference temperature, a thermocouple for sensing a temperature difference between the absolute reference thermometer and a component of the array, and data processing means for calculating the temperature of the component of the array from the absolute reference temperature and the temperature difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Roger L. R. Tucker
  • Patent number: 4708495
    Abstract: A metal surface temperature monitor is disclosed. The monitor comprises a rotating sensor head including two wheels fabricated from thermocouple materials and adapted to ride on the surface of the metal to measure the temperature thereof, a converter for converting the thermal EMF generated by the thermocouple to a low frequency coded signal, a transformer having a stationary primary winding and a secondary winding which is free to rotate with the sensor head, a modulating circuit associated with the primary and secondary windings of the transformer for transferring the frequency coded signal from the secondary to the primary winding of the transformer, and means connected to the primary winding of the transformer for demodulating the frequency coded signal to provide an indication of the temperature of the moving metal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Assignee: Noranda Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Kitzinger, Vladimir M. Labuc
  • Patent number: 4607961
    Abstract: A heat flux meter for measuring heat flux in a hot environment, such as, a coal-fired boiler, includes a cup-shaped body member of one-piece construction having an internal cavity in which is mounted an annular thermoelectrically-dissimilar member from that of the body member and in heat and electrically conducting contact with the body member. Electrically conducting wires of the same metal as the annular member enter the cavity and are connected to the center of the circular portion of the body member and to the annular member. An e.m.f. is induced by the difference in temperature between the center of the disc portion and the annular member. Since the body member is of one piece construction and the heat flux meter is sealed to the walls of the boiler, gases from the hot environment cannot enter the cavity and cause failure of the meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Assignee: University of Waterloo
    Inventors: John R. Wynnyckyj, Edward Rhodes
  • Patent number: 4529869
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a portable instrument for inducing heat into an object. The instrument includes an enclosure that fastens to and at least partially encloses the object, an electrical power source fastened to the enclosure and including a variable power supply for passing heating current through the enclosure and thereby heating the object, and a thermocouple for sensing the temperature of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1985
    Inventor: R. A. Ekstrom, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4503320
    Abstract: An elongated temperature-sensing probe is positioned in a deep fat cooking vessel and is positioned so that a portion of the probe extends adjacent the electric heater submerged in the deep fat adjacent the bottom of the vessel, and a portion extends upward in the fat into the cooking zone in the vessel. The temperature-sensing probe is connected to control the power to the heater. The heater is thermally connected to the probe so that the probe receives direct conduction heat from the heater as well as senses the heat adjacent the heater and in the cooking zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1985
    Inventor: Louis S. Polster
  • Patent number: 4459103
    Abstract: An analyzer is provided for use in determining the volatile matter content of coal and coke. The analyzer automatically adjusts a position of a crucible containing a coal or coke sample relative to a furnace depending upon the temperature of the crucible. The crucible is supported and the temperature of the crucible and sample is sensed by means of a thermocouple arranged as a sling for contacting the crucible. The sensed temperature is compared with a predetermined and desired temperature. A comparison difference triggers a vertical movement of the crucible and sample, within the temperature profile of the furnace, using a servomotor until the crucible is positioned such that the sensed temperature and desired temperature correspond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1984
    Assignee: Hazen Research, Inc.
    Inventor: David H. Gieskieng