With Detail Of Motion Transmitting Mechanism Patents (Class 374/195)
  • Patent number: 7618187
    Abstract: An electromechanical temperature detection device for a cooking appliance comprises a first rod-shaped sensor part and a second tubular-shaped sensor part. The first sensor part and the second sensor part are made from materials having different thermal expansion co-efficients. The first sensor part is positioned inside the second sensor part. An end area of the first sensor part is connected to the second sensor part in the end area of the second sensor part and the opposite end area of the first sensor part is connected to a switching device. The second sensor part consists of a sheet metal stamped part which is embodied along a longitudinal axis such that it surrounds a longitudinal area in a tubular like manner with a first sensor part positioned inside the tubular part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: E.G.O. Elektro-Geraetebau GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Belz, Willi Reichert
  • Patent number: 7604398
    Abstract: Cumulative thermal exposures monitors and remote indicating cumulative thermal exposure monitors and system for reading the same are disclosed. The monitors have a thermally insulative housing with a cavity and a thermally-responsive member therein formed of shape memory material, which may be provided with a coating or sheath of insulative or shape memory polymer material, that gradually changes from a first shape to a second shape over a prescribed temperature range wherein the thermal capacity and insulative properties of the housing, cavity, and shape memory material transition temperature range are correlated relative to one another and calibrated to closely match a thermal decay profile (time-temperature profile) of the product being monitored. In remote indicating embodiments, the data can be retrieved remotely via RF transponder technology without directly viewing the monitor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Akers, Gerald A. Coles, James Michael Zerkus
  • Patent number: 7322744
    Abstract: A temperature measuring device includes a temperature-responsive element that mechanically moves a first inductive assembly component relative to a second inductive assembly component in response to temperature changes. The movement of the first inductive assembly component relative to the second inductive assembly component generates a change in a local eddy current pattern that corresponds to the sensed temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Ashcroft, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter J. Ferguson, John H. Bailey
  • Patent number: 7220051
    Abstract: A switch, such as an electromechanical or optical switch, whose state is responsive to temperature history, for example temperature excursions above or below a critical temperature. An element of the sensor made from shape memory alloy changes shape when exposed, even temporarily, to temperatures above the Austenitic start temperature As or below the Martensite start temperature Ms of the shape memory alloy sensor element. The shape change of the SMA element causes the sensor to change between two readily distinguishable states. The sensor can include a one-way stop element that creates a persistent indication of the temperature history. The switch also has built-in stops allowing the sensor to be manufactured and stored at temperatures above the Austenitic temperature without causing the indication of an over-temperature event, before the actual use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Mohsen Shahinpoor
  • Patent number: 7080942
    Abstract: The bimetal thermometer according to the invention comprises a bimetal helix arranged inside a protective tube, one end thereof being attached to the protective tube and the other end thereof being connected to a pointer shaft to which a pointer arranged inside a casing is attached. The pointer shaft is rotatably journaled in a bearing assembly in which a cavity is formed through which the pointer shaft extends. The cavity is filled with semisolid lubricating grease for damping vibration movements of the pointer shaft. The pointer shaft has either a smooth surface or is provided with at least one radial projection arranged inside the cavity. Vibration movements of the pointer shaft are damped by the interaction of the pointer shaft and, if provided, the projections with the viscous lubricating grease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: WIKA Alexander Wiegand GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Sasha Handach
  • Patent number: 7066644
    Abstract: The apparel indicating thermometer has a housing, a circular dial board disposed within the housing, a pointer situated on the face of the dial board, and a thermometer movement attached to a back surface of the housing. The thermometer movement has an arbor which rotates in response to a temperature change. The arbor extends through the housing and the dial board to engage the pointer on the face of the dial board. The dial board face includes a graduated scale indicating degrees of temperature and color-coded segments representing different temperature ranges. Each color-coded segment includes depictions of appropriate pieces of clothing for each temperature range. When the arbor rotates, the position of the pointer is adjusted to indicate the temperature and the appropriate corresponding clothing. Consequently, children and individuals with cognitive disabilities may easily refer to the thermometer to make dressing decisions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Lauren M. Padgett
  • Patent number: 6986602
    Abstract: A temperature measuring device includes a temperature-responsive element that mechanically moves a first inductive assembly component relative to a second inductive assembly component in response to temperature changes. The movement of the first inductive assembly component relative to the second inductive assembly component generates a change in a local eddy current pattern that corresponds to the sensed temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter J. Ferguson, John H. Bailey
  • Patent number: 6837620
    Abstract: A sensor provides a persistent indication that it has been exposed to temperatures below a certain critical temperature for a predetermined time period. An element of the sensor made from shape memory alloy changes shape when exposed, even temporarily, to temperatures below the Austenitic start temperature As and well into Martensite finish temperature Mf off the shape memory alloy. The shape change of the SMA element causes the sensor to change between two readily distinguishable states. The sensor includes a one-way stop element that creates a persistent indication of the temperature history, allowing the sensor to be manufactured and stored at temperatures above the Austenitic temperature without causing the indication of an over-temperature event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Mohsen Shahinpoor
  • Patent number: 4950085
    Abstract: A temperature sensing device having a gauge and a stem assemblies and utilizing a flexible coupling to transmit rotation through predetermined angles from a helical temperature sensitive element, to an indicator, further utilizing means to rotate the gauge assembly relative to the stem assembly. The gauge assembly includes a dial and the stem assembly includes the indicator, a stem, and the helical temperature sensitive element whereby rotation of the gauge assembly with respect to the stem assembly allows calibration of the dial to the indicator to reflect the appropriate temperature reading on the dial of the gauge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Rochester Gauges, Inc.
    Inventor: Agoston Horvath
  • Patent number: 4575258
    Abstract: Detector apparatus adaptably mountable about the external surface of steam pipes and condensate pipes, and wherein the apparatus includes a curved temperature sensitive bi-metallic element fixedly mounted at one end and with the opposed end being free to flex. A push arm is mounted at the free end of the bi-metallic element in engagement with a temperature indicating element for indicating a temperature either within or outside of a range of desired maximums and minimums, utilizing calibrated reference in the form of a rotatable dial. The surface temperature of the steam or condensate pipe being monitored is determined. The apparatus is provided with mounting member or system capable of use in combination with cylindrical surfaces within a range of diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1986
    Inventor: Donald E. Wall
  • Patent number: 4375152
    Abstract: A reciprocating thermal actuator with hydraulic multiplier has a thermally expansible fluid (expansible by heating or in an alternative embodiment by cooling) and heat exchange means including powered means for causing the thermally expansible fluid to cycle from expanded to nonexpanded state, in the process linearly driving a small area portion of a first piston which, in turn, through a large area portion of the first piston and hydraulic fluid provision drives a second, smaller-area piston to produce a linear output motion; return may be under spring bias; a free-floating bore-fitting second piston structure and a piston sleeve head at the motion output which has a sleeve returning and guiding on a portion of the housing for stability are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1983
    Inventor: John A. Barto