Detail Of Resistive Sensor Patents (Class 374/185)
  • Publication number: 20130083326
    Abstract: A temperature sensor package includes a temperature sensor having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side of the temperature sensor includes an active region configured for coupling with a target area for temperature measurement of an object. The temperature sensor package further includes a circuit board having a first side and a second side, the first side of the circuit board coupled to the second side of the temperature sensor, wherein the circuit board provides thermal insulation between the active region of the temperature sensor and an environment on the second side of the circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Clark, Terry Dean Stark, George Goblish, Myles Koshiol
  • Publication number: 20130077653
    Abstract: A temperature sensor excellent in durability under a high-pressure atmosphere of hydrogen is provided. The temperature sensor includes a thermistor element body comprising an oxide sintered body, a pair of lead wires each electrically connected to the element body and comprising Pt or a Pt alloy, and a sealing glass sealing the element body and a part of the lead wires including a portion connected to the element body. The pair of lead wires comprising any of Pt, an alloy comprising Pt and one or two of Ir and Pd, and an alloy of Pd and Ir, and the temperature sensor is used under an atmosphere of hydrogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: SHIBAURA ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuto KOSHIMIZU, Takayuki NAKAYA, Satoshi UCHIYAMA
  • Patent number: 8393787
    Abstract: Two vertically offset thermistors for sensing a fluid such as oil and refrigerant in a compressor shell are monitored by a method that takes into account rapidly changing conditions within the shell. The system can determine the fluid's sump temperature, high/low liquid levels, and can determine whether the thermistors are sensing the fluid as a liquid, gas, or a mixture of the two, such as a foam or mist of liquid and gas. For greater accuracy, thermistor readings can be dithered and filtered to provide temperature or voltage values having more significant digits than the readings originally processed through a limited-bit A/D converter. For faster response, limited microprocessor time is conserved by sampling thermistor readings at strategic periods that enable the microprocessor to identify certain conditions and temperatures via simple delta-temperature ratios and undemanding equations rather than resorting to exponential functions or lookup tables to determine time constants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald W. Okoren, Jerry E. Brown, Joel C. VanderZee, Charles E. Nelson, Steven K. Klingemann, Jeffrey J. DeGroot
  • Publication number: 20130058378
    Abstract: A sensing device includes a first current mirror configured to mirror a current flowing through a thermistor, a second current mirror configured to mirror a current flowing through a reference resistor a comparator configured to compare voltages on the thermistor and the resistor, and a counter configured to generate a control signal representative of a temperature difference based on the comparison. The control signal controls a mirroring ratio of the second current mirror. The sensing device may be employed to generate a droop current of a voltage regulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.I.
    Inventors: Osvaldo Enrico Zambetti, Dario Zambotti
  • Patent number: 8358085
    Abstract: A control system is disclosed for determining an actual temperature of a light emitting diode. The control system uses conductor that supply power to the light emitting diode to supply a pulse to the light emitting diode. The pulse is determined along with a reaction caused by the pulse and the information gained is used in determination of the light emitting diode die temperature which can then be used in controlling current to the light emitting diode to control the temperature of the light emitting diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Terralux, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Catalano, Daniel Harrison
  • Publication number: 20130004811
    Abstract: A battery temperature sensor may include a substrate and a thin film resistive temperature device (RTD). The substrate can be layered on a battery cell element. The battery cell element can be an anode, a cathode, and a separator between the anode and cathode used in a battery cell. The thin film resistive temperature device (RTD) on the flexible substrate can change resistance with a change in temperature. A battery cell housing can enclose the thin film RTD.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Neel Banerjee, Andrew L. Van Brocklin, Randy Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20120327973
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic component (1), in particular a current sensor, having a resistance element (5) made of a resistance material, a first connection part (3) made of a conductor material for introducing an electrical current into the resistance element (5), and a second connection part (4) made of a conductor material for discharging the electrical current from the resistance element (5). According to the invention, the component (1) has a temperature-measuring device (8) for measuring a temperature difference between the resistance element (5), on the one hand, and at least one of the two connection parts (3, 4), on the other hand, in order to derive the current from the temperature difference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: ISABELLENHUETTE HEUSLER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Ullrich Hetzler
  • Patent number: 8337082
    Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for calibrating and using resistance temperature detectors. In one embodiment, the system includes a calibration circuit comprising a resistance temperature detector in a bridge circuit with at least one potentiometer, and a programmable gain amplifier coupled to the bridge circuit. Embodiments of the invention further comprise methods for calibrating the bridge circuit and the programmable gain amplifier for use with the resistance temperature detector and methods for determining the self heating voltage of the bridge circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Canon U.S. Life Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Johnathan S. Coursey, Kenton C. Hasson, Gregory H. Owen
  • Patent number: 8333506
    Abstract: A temperature sensor is formed from three initially unfired (or green) ceramic substrates. The first substrate has a temperature sensitive means printed on a first surface. Additionally first and second conducting elements are also printed thereon. The third substrate has a temperature sensitive means in the form of a resistor printed on a first surface. Additionally first and second conducting elements and are also printed thereon. The second substrate is provided with a conducting via in the form of a hole extending through the substrate, the hole being filled with conductive material. The via is adapted to be aligned with the ends of conducting elements. To construct the sensor the first surfaces of substrates are aligned with substrate such that via is aligned with conducting elements. The substrates are then pressed together. Subsequently the substrates are fired to provide the completed sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: MELEXIS NV Microelectronic Integrated Systems
    Inventors: Chavdar Kamenov, Petar Mitsev, Peter Tilmans, Jos Rennies
  • Patent number: 8328420
    Abstract: Support structures for positioning sensors on a physiologic tunnel for measuring physical, chemical and biological parameters of the body and to produce an action according to the measured value of the parameters. A sensor fitted on the support structures uses a special geometry for acquiring continuous and undisturbed data on the physiology of the body. Signals are transmitted to a remote station by wireless transmission such as by electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared, sound and the like or by being reported locally by audio or visual transmission. The physical and chemical parameters include brain function, metabolic function, hydrodynamic function, hydration status, levels of chemical compounds in the blood, and the like. The support structure includes patches, clips, eyeglasses, head mounted gear and the like, containing passive or active sensors positioned at the end of the tunnel with sensing systems positioned on and accessing a physiologic tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: Marcio Marc Abreu
  • Patent number: 8328418
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a platinum resistance thermometer that is stable with reduced resistance value variation over service temperature range through clarification of a quantitative mechanism of resistance value variation with respect to the oxidation/reduction of platinum resistance wire. The process including the steps of (S1) enclosing a purge gas containing an inert gas and oxygen in a protection tube provided with a thermosensitive part of platinum resistance wire; (S2) raising the internal temperature of the protection tube to a temperature region in which the platinum is in reduced form at a partial pressure of oxygen in the purge gas as determined from platinum oxide formation free energy; (S3) replacing the purge gas with an inert gas wherein oxygen is 1 kPa or below; and (S4) sealing the protection tube under the replaced condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Azbil Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Yamaguchi, Hideo Kimura, Kazuya Yoneshita
  • Patent number: 8314623
    Abstract: A system includes a first module, a second module, and a third module. The first module determines a first temperature and a first power dissipation value of a thermistor based on a resistance of a first resistor connected in series with the thermistor. The second module, after disconnecting the first resistor and connecting a second resistor in series with the thermistor, determines a second temperature and a second power dissipation value of the thermistor based on a resistance of the second resistor. The third module determines a thermal dissipation factor based on the first and second temperatures and the first and second power dissipation values, and corrects temperature sensed by the thermistor based on the thermal dissipation factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventors: Brian Carl Nelson, Christian G. Masson, Marilyn L. Kindermann, Brian K. Kowalczyk
  • Patent number: 8303173
    Abstract: A temperature probe, such as for a respiratory system in which breathable gases are supplied to a patient, includes a housing having an external wall and an internal cavity defining an end and an internal cavity and further includes a temperature-responsive device in an area of the cavity near the end, such as in thermal communication with the external wall. A first potting compound that is deformable and/or has a relatively high thermal conductivity holds the temperature-responsive device in the cavity and a second potting compound having a relatively low thermal conductivity may be in the cavity behind the first potting compound. The housing may be made thin to enhance thermal conductivity, at least in the area containing the temperature-responsive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Smiths Medical ASD, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith J. Bradley, Ryan E. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20120275484
    Abstract: A temperature measuring device which measures a temperature of a heat treatment mechanism in a heat treatment apparatus which heat-treats a substrate with a predetermined temperature using the heat treatment mechanism, includes: a substrate and a Wheatstone bridge circuit which is disposed on the substrate and includes a plurality of temperature-measuring resistors whose resistance is varied depending on a change in temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Masato HAYASHI, Koudai HIGASHI
  • Patent number: 8297837
    Abstract: This invention generally relates to sensors made of granular thin films in the discontinuous phase. More particularly, the invention relates to microbolometers and displacement sensors fabricated from thin films that are close to the metal insulator transition (MIT) or metal semiconductor transition (MST) regime. Sensors of various designs have been fabricated according to the invention and may be used for deflection measurements, nano-indentation, visco-elastic measurements, topographical scanning, explosive detection, low abundance biomolecular detection, electromagnetic radiation detection and other similar detection and measurement systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Angelo Gaitas
  • Patent number: 8287185
    Abstract: A printed circuit board supported over the top surface of a multi-cell battery module for battery cell voltage and temperature monitoring has an array of openings in alignment with selected battery cells for receiving temperature-sensing units that electrically couple with contacts formed on the printed circuit board and resiliently engage the cases of the selected battery cells. Each such temperature-sensing unit includes a printed circuit board mountable lamp socket and a lamp socket insert including a thermistor and a compressible element that maintains the thermistor in thermal proximity to the battery cell case when the temperature-sensing unit is installed in a respective printed circuit board opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy N. Pulliam, Kevin J. Hawes, Robert C. Beer
  • Publication number: 20120249079
    Abstract: An energy storage system comprising at least one energy storage module adapted to supply electrical energy to a hybrid vehicle. The energy storage module comprises an enclosure, at least one battery array located within the enclosure, and an energy storage controller module located within the enclosure and electrically connected to the battery array. The energy storage module further comprises a compliant tipped thermistor which may be installed within a flexible clip. The thermistor is positioned to monitor the temperature of one or more of the batteries within the energy storage system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: SCOTT K. BENNETT, BRIAN J. MASKEW, LEONARD F. BAXTER, II
  • Patent number: 8277120
    Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a delay characteristic compensating circuit that is provided in a logic area including an inside and a surface of a chip. The delay characteristic compensating circuit includes a heat generating circuit that heats the semiconductor integrated circuit, a temperature sensor that measures a junction temperature, a voltage monitor that measures a power supply voltage, and a control circuit that actuates the heat generating circuit when the junction temperature does not reach a reference temperature and when the power supply voltage is lower than a reference voltage and stops actuating the heat generating circuit when the junction temperature reaches the reference temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Chihiro Ishii
  • Patent number: 8267578
    Abstract: Methods and systems for compensating temperature measurements by a temperature gauge comprising a first temperature sensor and a second reference temperature sensor, having different thermal properties, located in the same temperature environment to be measured. The methods and systems compensate for errors in the measured temperatures due to variations in the reference sensor caused by temperature effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiro Kamata
  • Publication number: 20120226460
    Abstract: Temperature sensing circuitry is used for thermal management of an electronic device. The temperature sensing circuitry includes at least one thermistor placed at or near a component of the electronic device. The temperature sensing circuitry also includes a high-precision resistor for calibration purposes. The resistance of the resistor is equivalent to the resistance of the thermistor at a reference temperature. A calibration reading is obtained using a set current that is being passed through the resistor. An error present in the temperature sensing circuitry is determined based on the calibration reading and a design value. A temperature measurement associated with the component is then made using the thermistor, while the set current is being passed through the thermistor. The error is corrected in the temperature measurement of the component. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Hugo Fiennes, Keith Alan Cox
  • Patent number: 8256956
    Abstract: A temperature sensor including a temperature sensing element (102) having a temperature sensing unit (103) and a pair of device electrode wires (104) extending from the temperature sensing unit; a sheath member (106) including a sheath wire (108) connected at a junction (110) to one of the device electrode wires and a sheath outer pipe (107) retaining the sheath wire in an insulating material (114); an inner tube (112) which has a bottomed cylindrical shape, the inner tube accommodating the temperature sensing element and the junction in a bottom portion side of the inner tube serving as a leading end of the temperature sensor, and extending in an extension direction of the device electrode wire and the sheath wire; and an outer tube (120) which has a bottomed cylindrical shape including a gas inlet hole (122a, 122b, 122c), the outer tube covering the inner tube, and being spaced, from the inner tube on a leading end side of the junction when viewed in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the in
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Suzuki, Mitsunori Oi, Takashi Maeda, Norimichi Saito, Toshinori Nishi, Go Hanzawa, Takeshi Morita
  • Patent number: 8246252
    Abstract: A bearing apparatus has a rolling bearing including an outer ring (11), an inner ring (12), and rolling elements (13) disposed between the two rings, and a temperature sensor (TS) for measuring an internal temperature of the rolling bearing. A wire from the temperature sensor extends to the outside via a through-hole (11d) formed in a component of the bearing apparatus, and hence the temperature sensor can be disposed in a desired position with excellent wiring extension flexibility, thereby enabling a temperature in the desired position of the bearing to be measured. The temperature sensor, which can be configured thin in a small size with flexibility, can therefore be incorporated into whichever portion of the bearing, wherein a high response to temperature detection is attained, and detectability of abnormality in temperature can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Keisuke Yokoyama, Kunihiko Sasao
  • Publication number: 20120209558
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a temperature measuring device within a thermally conductive package. A crystal within the package is thermally coupled to the temperature measuring device and subjected to a same temperature as the temperature measuring device. A controller external to the package is configured to receive a signal from the crystal and a temperature measurement from the temperature measuring device. The controller is configured to estimate a frequency error of the crystal based on the temperature measurement and to provide a frequency error estimate to an external system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: QUALCOMM INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Rick A. Wilcox, Daniel F. Filipovic, Xu Mike Chi, Chris M. Rosolowski
  • Publication number: 20120193086
    Abstract: A temperature probe having a terminal attachment arrangement for securing and selectively releasing an electrical connection is disclosed. The temperature probe further includes a housing for sealing the temperature probe to a structure, such as a HVAC duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: TASSERON SENSORS, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas J. van DIJK, Kevin POOL
  • Patent number: 8222950
    Abstract: A power supply circuit includes a PWM controller, which is capable of providing pulse signals to the CPU, a temperature feedback circuit coupled to the PWM controller, and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is coupled to the temperature feedback circuit, the temperature sensor is located adjacent the CPU, and capable of detects a temperature of the CPU. The PWM controller is capable of adjusting the pulse signals to maintain the pulse signals stably when the temperature sensor detects the temperature of the CPU rising.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ke-You Hu
  • Publication number: 20120163414
    Abstract: A test apparatus for a thermal resistor includes a control device, a temperature processing circuit, a voltage regulating circuit and a temperature detecting circuit. The control device stores a plurality of predetermined voltage values and outputs control signals according to those predetermined values. The temperature processing circuit receives the control signals and outputs a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal according to the control signal. The voltage regulating circuit receives the PWM signal and outputs a first direct current (DC) voltage to heat the thermal resistor. The temperature detecting circuit detects temperature signals and current signals from the thermal resistor. The control device receives the temperature signals and current signals of the thermal resistor and generates a resistance-temperature graph of the thermal resistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: LING-YU XIE, XING-PING XIE
  • Publication number: 20120161741
    Abstract: A current generator includes a thermistor configured to receive an input current, a reference resistor of a value substantially corresponding to a resistance of said thermistor at a reference temperature, a current mirror configured to generate a mirrored current proportional to said input current, a feedback circuit configured to generate an output compensation current proportional to a difference between voltages on said reference resistor and on said thermistor, and a first adder configured to force through said reference resistor a difference current between said mirrored replica current and said output compensation current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.l
    Inventor: Osvaldo Enrico Zambetti
  • Patent number: 8201992
    Abstract: New sensors and methods for qualitative and quantitative analysis of multiple gaseous substances simultaneously with both high selectivity and high sensitivity are provided. The new sensors rely on a characteristic difference in energy between the interaction of a particular substance with a catalyst coated heat transfer device (HTD) and a non-catalyst coated (or one coated with a different catalyst) reference HTD. Molecular detection is achieved by an exothermic or endothermic chemical or physical reaction between the catalytic surface of the sensor and the molecule, tending to induce a temperature change of the sensor. Both high temperature and non-destructive low temperature detection are possible. The magnitude and rate of endothermic or exothermic heat transfer from a specific molecule-catalyst interaction is related to molecular concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Sensor Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Horovitz, Karl F. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8197123
    Abstract: Temperature detection circuitry is selectively coupled to a thermistor and one of two sources representing the impedance at respective ends of the expected range of temperature to which the thermistor is to be exposed. The offset of an amplifier and a scale factor to account for gain set of the amplifier are determined in an automatic calibration process while coupled to the source(s), and thereafter temperature readings are taken from the thermistor. During the calibration process, if the gain or scale factor are outside of expected ranges, a failure is determined and an alarm given and/or a heater is disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Smiths Medical ASD, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Snyder, Maurice Wheatley
  • Patent number: 8192081
    Abstract: A temperature sensor including: a temperature sensing element (102) having a temperature sensing unit (103) and a pair of device electrode wires (104); a sheath member (106) having a sheath wire (108) connected at a junction (110) to at least one of the device electrode wires and a sheath outer pipe (107) retaining the sheath wire in an insulating material (114); an inner tube (112) which has a bottomed cylindrical shape; and a cylindrical outer tube (120) having an open end, covering the inner tube such that the open end is located at a front end side of the junction and in a region to the rear end side of or aligned with the front end of the inner tube, and being spaced from the inner tube at the front end side of the junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Suzuki, Mitsunori Oi, Takashi Maeda, Norimichi Saito, Toshinori Nishi, Go Hanzawa, Takeshi Morita
  • Patent number: 8191792
    Abstract: A temperature sensor (10) includes: a temperature-sensing portion for measuring a temperature of an object (50) by contacting the object; and a supporting portion for supporting the temperature-sensing portion from a side opposite to a contact surface, the supporting portion having a space at a portion partially corresponding to the temperature-sensing portion. A temperature controller includes: a temperature control device; the temperature sensor (10) for measuring the temperature by contacting the object (50); and a controller for controlling the temperature control device. The controller includes: a mounting-state judging means for judging a mounting-state of the object (50); a switching means for switching a control gain and a target temperature of the temperature control device based on the judging result; and a control-command generating means for generating a control command based on the control gain, the target temperature and a measurement value of the temperature sensor (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenichi Bandoh
  • Publication number: 20120132805
    Abstract: An electronic circuit, for biasing and reading at least one resistive thermal detector, comprising: biasing means able to bias the resistive thermal detector by making a biasing current of substantially constant value flow in the resistive thermal detector when the electrical resistance thereof varies; conversion means able to convert a voltage at the terminals of the resistive thermal detector into a current, comprising at least one MOS-type transistor the gate of which is electrically connected to one of the terminals of the resistive thermal detector; means of generating a base clipping voltage electrically connected to the source of the MOS-type transistor of the conversion means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENE ALT
    Inventors: Gilles CHAMMINGS, Gaëlle Repellin, Michaël Tchagaspanian
  • Publication number: 20120128033
    Abstract: A system and a method for measuring temperature within an operating circuit use a Wheatstone bridge within a temperature sensing circuit. One of the resistors in the Wheatstone bridge is a thermally sensitive resistive material layer within the operating circuit. The other three resistors are thermally isolated from the operating circuit. Particular configurations of NFET and PFET devices are used to provide enhanced measurement sensitivity within the temperature sensing circuit that includes the Wheatstone bridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wagdi W. Abadeer, Cathryn J. Christiansen, John A. Fifield, Dimitris P. Ioannou, Tom C. Lee, Lilian Kamal
  • Patent number: 8182139
    Abstract: Temperature sensing circuitry is used for thermal management of an electronic device. The temperature sensing circuitry includes at least one thermistor placed at or near a component of the electronic device. The temperature sensing circuitry also includes a high-precision resistor for calibration purposes. The resistance of the resistor is equivalent to the resistance of the thermistor at a reference temperature. A calibration reading is obtained using a set current that is being passed through the resistor. An error present in the temperature sensing circuitry is determined based on the calibration reading and a design value. A temperature measurement associated with the component is then made using the thermistor, while the set current is being passed through the thermistor. The error is corrected in the temperature measurement of the component. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Hugo Fiennes, Keith Alan Cox
  • Patent number: 8182145
    Abstract: A temperature sensor including a temperature sensing element (102) having a temperature sensing unit (103) and a pair of device electrode wires (104) extending from the temperature sensing unit; a sheath member (106) including a sheath wire (108) connected at a junction (110) to one of the device electrode wires and a sheath outer pipe (107) retaining the sheath wire in an insulating material (114); an inner tube (112) which has a bottomed cylindrical shape, the inner tube accommodating the temperature sensing element and the junction in a bottom portion side of the inner tube serving as a leading end of the temperature sensor, and extending in an extension direction of the device electrode wire and the sheath wire; and an outer tube (120) which has a bottomed cylindrical shape including a gas inlet hole (122a, 122b, 122c), the outer tube covering the inner tube, and being spaced, from the inner tube on a leading end side of the junction when viewed in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the in
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Suzuki, Mitsunori Oi, Takashi Maeda, Norimichi Saito, Toshinori Nishi, Go Hanzawa, Takeshi Morita
  • Patent number: 8177425
    Abstract: A temperature-measuring device with a sensing head and a pipe piece is disclosed. The sensing head is embedded in the pipe piece. The pipe piece is provided for conducting a medium whose temperature is detected by the sensing head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: EPCOS AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Grundmann, Bernhard Ostrick, Peter Balzer
  • Publication number: 20120114013
    Abstract: Provided is a temperature measuring device capable of continuously measuring a body temperature without imposing a load on a subject or a measurer. The temperature measuring device includes: a temperature measuring unit (10, 210) to be attached to an object to be measured, including a temperature measuring unit-side temperature sensing element (21, 221) and a first coil (11, 211); and a power supplying unit (30, 230) including a second coil (31, 231), for supplying power to the temperature measuring unit (10, 210), in which the temperature measuring unit (10, 210) and the power supplying unit (30, 230) are formed integrally with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: CITIZEN HOLDINGS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masato TSUCHIDA
  • Patent number: 8162536
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an exhaust temperature sensor is disclosed. It includes forming a green ceramic substrate; and printing an electrical circuit on the green ceramic substrate. The method then contemplates trimming the electrical circuit to a predetermined resistance prior to firing the green ceramic. Finally, the method contemplates firing the green ceramic substrate with the electrical circuit thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles S. Nelson, Raymond L. Bloink
  • Patent number: 8142073
    Abstract: A two-piece sensor assembly is disclosed comprising a sensor body insert having a thermoplastic sensor body molding that can be snap-fit into a thermoplastic sensor housing a spherical-type snap-fit eliminating leak paths or openings that may damage the sensor body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: John Thomas Clark
  • Patent number: 8136983
    Abstract: A system is disclosed that essentially eliminates the delay in measurement of temperature by a sensor due to exponential response of the sensor. The system finds the rate of change of the sensor signal, multiplies it by the time constant of the sensor signal and adds the result to the instantaneous value of the sensor signal to predict the final value of the sensor signal or the actual value of the temperature. When the sensor is permanently attached to an object, the final temperature of the object is predicted in a similar manner using the combined time constant value of the sensor and the object. The system can be software, analog hardware or digital hardware. The system also allows more accurate temperature control without undershoot or overshoot by providing a control signal proportional to the difference between a desired value and the predicted final value of the sensor signal. The system similarly eliminates the time delay in measurement and control of flow in thermal flow meters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Mahmoud Razzaghi
  • Publication number: 20120063488
    Abstract: Provided is a temperature sensor capable of stably keeping the accuracy of detected temperatures. The temperature sensor of the present invention comprises a sensor element (1) comprising a temperature sensing element (2) whose electrical resistance changes according to temperature; a pair of lead wires (4) electrically connected to the temperature sensing element (2); and a covering material (5) which seals the temperature sensing element (2) and portions of the lead wires (4) in a prescribed range; wherein the lead wires (4) are led out of the sealed ends (6) of the covering material (5). The temperature sensor further comprises a metallic protective tube (20) which houses the sensor element (1) except part of the lead wires (4); and a shield comprising a ceramic sealed end closing element (7) which encloses the sealed ends (6), and a lead wire protective tube (8). The shield is loosely fitted inside the metallic protective tube (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: SHIBAURA ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Noriyuki Nakayama, Kazumasa Nakamura, Hiroshi Misumi, Terukazu Koike
  • Publication number: 20120051399
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a temperature of a process fluid includes a resistance based temperature sensor (RTD) sensor configured to thermally couple to the process fluid. First and second electrical connections are configured to apply a current through the RTD. Measurement circuitry is configured to measure a voltage across the RTD and identify a degraded connection to the RTD and responsively measure a temperature of the process fluid using the electrical connections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Jason H. Rud, Loren M. Engelstad
  • Patent number: 8118486
    Abstract: A very high speed temperature probe is provided that can be used in medical applications and in environments that are corrosive or hostile. The probe has a thin wall housing made of a thermally conductive material, a thin film RTD temperature sensor which is mounted within the interior of the housing and is embedded within a temperature cured composite material. A thermally conductive material is used to fill the interior of the housing. The thin wall housing and absence of entrapped air bubbles or voids in the cured composite and thermally conductive materials cooperate to achieve a low thermal time constant and thus, high temperature measuring speed for the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: AGlobal Tech, LLC
    Inventor: Johannes F. Nyffenegger
  • Patent number: 8118485
    Abstract: A very high speed thin film RTD sandwich is provided that can be used in high speed temperature probes for medical applications and in environments that are corrosive or hostile in a protected configuration, as well as ambient and surface temperature measurements in an unprotected configuration. The high speed is achieved by maximizing the transfer of heat from the outside perimeter of the sandwich to its internal thin film RTD element to the absolute minimum of time. The thin film RTD element is electrically insulated by the extremely thin film layers. The insulating layers and thin film RTD are then embedded in two layers of high purity silver, the element with the maximum conduction coefficient of heat transfer k.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: AGlobal Tech, LLC
    Inventor: Johannes F. Nyffenegger
  • Patent number: 8118487
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting temperature includes an adjustable current source operable for supplying a current, a thermistor coupled to said adjustable current source, and an auto-range hysteresis logic coupled to said thermistor and said adjustable current source operable for outputting a signal to control said adjustable current source by sensing a voltage across said thermistor. A method for detecting temperature is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: O2Micro, Inc.
    Inventors: JiunHeng Goh, Constantin Bucur
  • Publication number: 20120031517
    Abstract: A temperature sensor includes a cramp and a thermistor. The cramp is adapted to be inserted into an opening formed in an object, and has a shaft member. A flange member is extended from the shaft member in a direction orthogonal to an inserting direction in which the cramp is inserted into the opening. An engaging member extended from an end part of the shaft member toward the flange member in a direction inclined with the inserting direction. The thermistor is provided in the shaft member and is disposed in the end part. The engaging member and the flange member are adapted to cramp the object therebetween when the cramp is inserted into the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Haruhiko Yoshida, Kazuyuki Matsunaga
  • Patent number: 8104950
    Abstract: In one example embodiment, a board for measuring device temperatures comprises a base and one or more fingers extending from the base. The base and the one or more fingers comprise a flexible material. One or more first temperature sensors are disposed on the one or more fingers. One or more second temperature sensors are disposed on the base. Each of the first and second temperature sensors comprises a partially thermally isolated temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventors: Alex Fishman, Peter A. Scranton, Ramesh Sundaram
  • Publication number: 20120020386
    Abstract: The invention relates to a temperature sensor comprising a measuring resistor which is connected via a connection wire to an interconnecting wire, and a protective sleeve that contains filler material in which the measuring resistor is embedded, wherein the connection wire is shaped into a curve. According to the invention, the curve extends along an end section of the interconnecting wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Peter MUELLER, Heiner Lehmann, Robert Hartmann
  • Patent number: 8092084
    Abstract: A method for precision thermal measurement and control, especially for bioreactors, as well as the correction of temperature sensitive probes such as pH and dissolved oxygen. Typical control requirements are +/?0.1° C. The thermal measurement circuit converts a sensor output to a high level voltage or current with great accuracy and provides noise immunity and sensor isolation. While digital outputs from sensor converters can have the greatest noise immunity, the noise associated with digital circuitry may contaminate low level sensor signals so in many cases an analog sensor converter is preferred because of low noise generation, especially if the converter is near the sensor. The circuit is low cost, reliable, generates minimal heat is immune to, and does not generate noise, and requires minimal calibration effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Finesse Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Alfred Riddle, Anthony Sproul
  • Patent number: 8092085
    Abstract: A thermistor includes a thermistor body and terminal electrodes disposed at both ends of the thermistor body. A first lead is longer than a second lead. The first and second leads include tips having inclined shapes that are cut such that metal lines are surface-exposed, respectively. The thermistor body is attached at a predetermined side position of the first lead such that the first lead and a side folding portion of the terminal electrode form a predetermined angle ?. The terminal electrode and the first lead are connected to each other through solder, and the second lead and the terminal electrode are connected to each other through solder. This can prevent the occurrence of damage even if an excessive thermal stress is applied. The temperature sensor with leads having stable electric connection with the temperature sensor that has satisfactory detection sensitivity and high reliability is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Kawase, Shiro Tsuji