Thermal Calibration System Patents (Class 374/1)
  • Publication number: 20140161149
    Abstract: A temperature sensor peripheral generates an output voltage that is proportional to temperature, whose temperature coefficient can be adjusted to any desired value, whose temperature coefficient can be either positive or negative, whose room temperature voltage can be adjusted to any desired value, and whose temperature coefficient and room temperature voltage adjustments are independent from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: David Michael Susak, Raghuveer Murukumpet
  • Patent number: 8746030
    Abstract: A rationality diagnosis method and a rationality diagnosis apparatus for a sensor inside a tank are provided. The rationality diagnosis method and the rationality diagnosis apparatus can accurately and easily perform a diagnosis to determine whether rationality of all sensors is maintained. The rationality diagnosis method for the sensor inside the tank performs a rationality diagnosis of a concentration sensor, a liquid level sensor and a temperature sensor that are provided inside the tank that stores liquid. The rationality diagnosis method is characterized by diagnosing whether the rationality is lost in one of the concentration sensor, the liquid level sensor and the temperature sensor by determining whether there exists any contradiction between respective sensor values of the concentration sensor, the liquid level sensor and the temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Bosch Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Kasahara
  • Publication number: 20140153607
    Abstract: A method includes determining a relationship between indirect thermal data for a processor and a measured temperature associated with the processor, during a calibration process, obtaining the indirect thermal data for the processor during actual operation of the processor, and determining an actual significant temperature associated with the processor during the actual operation using the indirect thermal data for the processor during actual operation of the processor and the relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Chainer, Pritish R. Parida, Mark D. Schultz
  • Patent number: 8740455
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring environmental parameters includes: an optical fiber sensor configured to be disposed along a path in an environment to be measured, the path of the optical fiber sensor defining a longitudinal axis; and at least one section of the optical fiber sensor configured so that an entire length of the at least one section is exposed to an at least substantially homogeneous environmental parameter, at least part of the at least one section extending in a direction having a radial component relative to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Travis S. Hall
  • Publication number: 20140146845
    Abstract: A method including obtaining calibration data for at least one sub-component in a heat transfer assembly, wherein the calibration data comprises at least one indication of coolant flow rate through the sub-component for a given surface temperature delta of the sub-component and a given heat load into said sub-component, determining a measured heat load into the sub-component, determining a measured surface temperature delta of the sub-component, and determining a coolant flow distribution in a first flow path comprising the sub-component from the calibration data according to the measured heat load and the measured surface temperature delta of the sub-component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy J. Chainer, Madhusudan K. Iyengar, Pritish R. Parida
  • Patent number: 8736139
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical image stabilizer, including: a substrate; a table disposed over the substrate, while levitating, to be movable on the substrate and having an image sensor mounted on the upper end of the substrate; cantilever arms disposed over the substrate, while levitating, and connected to the table to move the table; anchors fixing one ends of the cantilever arms onto the substrate; and electrodes applying voltage for moving the cantilever arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung Seoup Lee
  • Patent number: 8734007
    Abstract: A calibrated airflow monitoring method is provided. The monitoring method which includes: providing an airflow sensor positioned within an electronic system to be at least partially air-cooled, the airflow sensor including at least one temperature sensor and a heater associated with one temperature sensor of the at least one temperature sensor; calibrating, with the airflow sensor positioned within the electronic system, a duty cycle for use in powering the heater associated with the one temperature sensor; and providing a controller configured to use the calibrated duty cycle in powering the heater of the temperature sensor during airflow monitoring of the electronic system, and to obtain a hot temperature (Thot) reading from the one temperature sensor having the associated heater, and to determine, based at least in part on the hot temperature (Thot) reading, whether to issue an airflow warning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Levi A. Campbell, Thomas C. Long, Robert B. Schlak, Peter A. Wendling, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8734006
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a thermal sensor includes setting a wafer to a control temperature. The wafer includes the thermal sensor and other chip logic. The method also includes applying power exclusively to a thermal sensor circuit, calibrating the thermal sensor, and storing a calibration result. The method also includes retrieving the calibration result upon application of power to the other chip logic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James M. Crafts, Joseph E. Dery, Timothy M. Skergan, Timothy C. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20140140364
    Abstract: A precision temperature sensing system includes a heater and a sensing element disposed on a semiconductor substrate. A power source drives the heater on a periodic basis according to a received clock signal. The sensing element senses the heat emitted by the heater and diffused through the semiconductor substrate. Processing circuitry coupled to the sensing element adjusts a phase of the periodic heater driving signal based on the heat sensed by the sensing element. The processing circuitry determines a temperature based on a thermal diffusivity (TD) of the semiconductor substrate, the adjusted value of the phase, and a known distance between the heater and the sensing element. A second temperature sensor can be disposed on the same substrate as the precision temperature sensing system, and calibrated based on temperature measurements obtained while applying a reference frequency signal to the precision sensing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: DUST NETWORKS, INC.
    Inventors: Gordon Alexander CHARLES, Mark Alan LEMKIN
  • Patent number: 8727607
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a heater system for heating a surface of a structure, the heater system including a heater element, a temperature sensor proximate the heater element for outputting a signal indicative of the temperature of the heater element, and a controller for controlling the supply of power to the heater element in dependence on the signal to maintain the temperature of the heater element at a first substantially constant temperature. The method comprises: immersing the structure in a fluid for maintaining the surface of the structure at a second substantially constant temperature; supplying an amount of power to the heater element; receiving the signal from the temperature sensor and determining a temperature at the temperature sensor; and determining a setpoint temperature for controlling the heater element in dependence on the signal and the second substantially constant temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Ultra Electronics Limited
    Inventor: Ian McGregor Stothers
  • Patent number: 8727612
    Abstract: An imaging thermographic measuring system to measure the thermal output (Qout) at a target object, such as a building wall, building facade, or the like, comprising a measuring station provided for the arrangement distant from the object with an electric imaging device to record a thermographic thermal image, with a temperature distribution to be allocated thereto, and with a temperature sensor distant from the object to measure a temperature (Tref) distant from the object; at least one thermal transition sensor provided to be arrange close to the object, a transmission arrangement to transmit values between at least one thermal transition sensor and the measuring station, with the thermal transition sensor being embodied to predetermine the test values to determine a thermal transition coefficient (h).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Torsten Gogolla
  • Publication number: 20140133516
    Abstract: A temperature detecting circuit includes a first thermistor, a second thermistor, a first pull-up resistor, and a second pull-up resistor. The first thermistor has a first positive-side terminal. The second thermistor has a second positive-side terminal. The first thermistor and the second thermistor have different detection sensitivities to temperature. The first pull-up resistor is connected between the first thermistor and a power supply. The second pull-up resistor is connected between the second thermistor and the power supply. The first pull-up resistor and the second pull-up resistor have different resistances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyasu OZAKI, Koichi TAKAKU, Taneaki MIURA, Koichi KATO, Saneto ASANO
  • Patent number: 8721172
    Abstract: A method for calibrating an electronic chip comprises: the placing of a calibration transducer of a chip to be calibrated in contact with a first element and the measurement of a corresponding temperature variation ?Tc with this calibration transducer, the calibration thermal transducer having thermal characteristics different from those of the normal transducer so as to measure a temperature variation ?Tc that is different from a variation ?T1 measured by the normal transducer, and the calibration of the chip to be calibrated on the basis of the measured variations ?T1 and ?Tc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Mainguet, Alain Chambron, Guy-Michel Parat
  • Patent number: 8721174
    Abstract: A time-domain temperature sensing system for supporting a single-point calibration is disclosed. Under a single calibration temperature, the digital output of the temperature sensing system is adjusted by a calibration circuit to a specific value, and the generated calibration parameter thereof can be stored in the same chip of the temperature sensing system or in an off-chip component such as a non-volatile memory. Accordingly, the drawback which is caused by the high cost of a conventional two-point calibration in prior art is solved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
    Inventor: Po-ki Chen
  • Patent number: 8721173
    Abstract: A temperature calibration device 1, comprising a calibrator block 3 having a cavity 4 and one or more heating elements and at least one temperature sensor being thermally coupled to the calibrator block 3, and where the heating elements and the temperature sensor is connected to a control system being adapted for controlling the temperature of the calibrator block 3, and where the calibrator block 3, at least partly, is surrounded by thermally insulating material 5. A number of channels 9 are arranged in the calibrator block 3 or the insulation material 5, and being connected to a gas supply 6, and where the control system is adapted for activating or deactivating the gas supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Ametek Denmark A/S
    Inventors: Jan Haakon Harslund, Jørgen Reinholdt Larsen, Folke Galsgaard
  • Publication number: 20140126605
    Abstract: A method for determining the temperature of a sheathed-element glow plug during operation in an internal combustion engine is described, in which a temperature-resistance reference correlation is determined. In order to reduce the tolerance range of a sheathed-element glow plug, after the sheathed-element glow plug has been installed in the internal combustion engine, a calibration step is carried out in which, with the aid of the temperature-resistance reference correlation determined prior to the installation of the sheathed-element glow plug in the internal combustion engine, a temperature-resistance correlation specific to the sheathed-element glow plug is ascertained, from which the temperature of the sheathed-element glow plug during operation of the sheathed-element glow plug in the internal combustion engine is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: Peter Kappelmann
  • Patent number: 8714816
    Abstract: Thermometric apparatus includes at least one body-surface sensor, which is configured to be placed at a location on a body surface of a patient and generates a sensor output that varies according to a body-surface temperature at the location. Analog conversion circuitry is coupled between the at least one body-surface sensor and a connector for coupling to a patient monitor. The circuitry is configured to convert the sensor output into an output resistance across the connector that is indicative of a corrected temperature of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Medisim Ltd.
    Inventors: Moshe Yarden, David Sergio Matusevich
  • Publication number: 20140119398
    Abstract: In order to determine an operating temperature of an electric motor which is fed via an inverter, the inverter is first of all permanently assigned to an electric motor. Following calibration of measured value of at least one operating parameter of the electric motor by the assigned inverter on the production line of the electric motor and inverter, at least one measured value of at least one operating parameter of the electric motor is then acquired by the assigned inverter during operation of the electric motor and the operating temperature of the electric motor is determined using this at least one measured value and the calibration result from the assigned inverter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: DIEHL AKO STIFTUNG & CO. KG
    Inventors: RADU LIVIU FLOREA, MARTIN WEINMANN
  • Patent number: 8708553
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a system for verifying calibration of a temperature sensor comprising an above-ambient temperature verifier and a below-ambient temperature verifier. The above-ambient temperature verifier includes a first housing containing an ohmic material. At least one pair of electrodes is provided to direct an applied current through the ohmic material to heat the material. A well is provided within the ohmic material for accepting a temperature sensor. A compression assembly cooperates with the ohmic material to create intimate contact with the temperature sensor. An above-ambient reference temperature monitor maintains a calibrated temperature within the ohmic material. The below-ambient temperature verifier includes a second housing and a below-ambient reference temperature monitor to maintain a calibrated temperature of a below-ambient temperature medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Cooper-Atkins Corporation
    Inventors: Michael G. Colburn, Stephen J. Bogner, David R. McCloskey, Gavin McCormick
  • Publication number: 20140112368
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a transmitter with measurement circuitry electrically connected to first and second input terminals includes connecting a primary temperature sensor to the first input terminal and connecting a calibrated reference device to the second input terminal. The measurement circuitry is calibrated with respect to the first input terminal according to signals received from the second input terminal while measuring temperature according to signals received from the first input terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Loren Michael Engelstad, Dirk Willy Bauschke, Jason Harold Rud
  • Publication number: 20140112367
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some implementations a non-contact thermometer is diagnosed and calibrated under instruction of a mobile phone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: BROOKLANDS, INC.
    Inventor: Jason Roth
  • Patent number: 8702306
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which can comprise a thermocouple input module. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to determine one or more calibration factors. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to store the calibration factors. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to apply the calibration factors to an incoming thermocouple voltage value to obtain an adjusted thermocouple voltage value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Weeks Mowry, Jr., Robert Alan Weddle
  • Publication number: 20140092933
    Abstract: The present invention, in one aspect, provides systems and methods for using a single slug or multiple slugs containing one or more calibrators to determine a relationship between temperature and an electrical characteristic of the thermal sensor for use in connection with calibrating thermal sensors. In some embodiments, the present invention uses the described calibrator systems and methods to calibrate thermal control elements on a microfluidic device. In non-limiting embodiment, the calibrator can be one or more of droplets, plugs, slugs, segments or a continuous flow of any appropriate solution that, when heated, yields a thermal response profile with a plurality of features (e.g., maxima, minima, inflection points, linear regions, etc.).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Canon U.S. Life Sciences, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8684597
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to systems, methods, and apparatuses for thermal sensor power savings using a toggle control. In some embodiments, an integrated circuit (e.g., a memory device) includes an on-die thermal sensor, a storage element (e.g., a register), and toggle logic. The toggle logic may transition the thermal sensor from a first power consumption level to a second power consumption level responsive, at least in part, to a toggle indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher E. Cox
  • Publication number: 20140086273
    Abstract: Testing a thermocouple-based RF ablation system is carried out by connecting a temperature simulator to an ablator module. The ablator module is operative to vary a radiofrequency power output thereof in a predefined manner in response to predefined variations in a temperature signal from the simulator. The method is further carried out by delivering RF power from the ablator module to the temperature simulator, and while delivering RF power, performing the steps of: communicating temperature signals from the temperature simulator to the ablator module, varying the communicated temperature signals, and verifying that a variation in the power output of the ablator module in response to varying the temperature signals conforms to the predefined manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: BIOSENSE WEBSTER (ISRAEL), LTD.
    Inventors: Vadim Gliner, Assaf Govari
  • Patent number: 8678642
    Abstract: A method of estimating temperature includes selecting a plurality of known calibration temperature values; determining a bulk wavelength for each of the calibration temperature values; formulating a calibration data set that includes the plurality of known temperature values and the corresponding plurality of bulk wavelengths; and using the calibration data set to determine an estimated current temperature value based upon a current bulk wavelength, wherein the current temperature value is estimated based upon one or more data points in the calibration data set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Imricor Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Jester, Gregg S. Stenzel, Steven R. Wedan, Peter Gabrail
  • Patent number: 8676438
    Abstract: Temperature compensation for ultrasonic sensors can have a significant error that is highly undesirable because temperature of ultrasonic sensors and the temperature of the medium through which they sense objects affect signal strength calibrations (e.g., echo thresholds) applied when detecting an object. In order to increase the detection capabilities and reported distance of an object, ultrasonic sensors need to adjust their detection criteria and distance calculations as the temperature of air surrounding a vehicle (i.e., outside air temperature) changes and also as the temperature of the sensor changes. Embodiments of the inventive subject matter provide for a simple, effective and consistent approach for determining a temperature upon which such detection criteria and distance calculation adjustments can be based.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: Wilford Trent Yopp, Wangdong Luo, Stephen Varghese Samuel, Aric David Shaffer, Vern Stempnik, Michael David Kane
  • Patent number: 8672539
    Abstract: A multiple sensor fiber optic sensing system. A method of sensing distributed temperature and at least another property in a well includes the steps of: interconnecting an optical switch to an optical fiber which extends along a wellbore in the well; operating the optical switch to optically connect the optical fiber to an interferometric measurement system; and operating the optical switch to optically connect the optical fiber to a distributed temperature measurement system. Another method includes the steps of: installing an optical fiber along a wellbore in the well, the optical fiber being a first distributed temperature sensor, the installing step including providing a substantial length of the optical fiber proximate a second sensor which senses the well property; and calibrating the second sensor using a temperature sensed by the first sensor in the substantial length of the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Neal G. Skinner
  • Patent number: 8668383
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for wafer temperature measurement and calibration of temperature measurement devices may be based on determining the absorption of a layer in a semiconductor wafer. The absorption may be determined by directing light towards the wafer and measuring light reflected from the wafer from below the surface upon which the incident light impinges. Calibration wafers and measurement systems may be arranged and configured so that light reflected at predetermined angles to the wafer surface is measured and other light is not. Measurements may also be based on evaluating the degree of contrast in an image of a pattern in or on the wafer. Other measurements may utilize a determination of an optical path length within the wafer alongside a temperature determination based on reflected or transmitted light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Mattson Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Janis Timans
  • Publication number: 20140064320
    Abstract: A calibrated airflow monitoring method is provided. The monitoring method which includes: providing an airflow sensor positioned within an electronic system to be at least partially air-cooled, the airflow sensor including at least one temperature sensor and a heater associated with one temperature sensor of the at least one temperature sensor; calibrating, with the airflow sensor positioned within the electronic system, a duty cycle for use in powering the heater associated with the one temperature sensor; and providing a controller configured to use the calibrated duty cycle in powering the heater of the temperature sensor during airflow monitoring of the electronic system, and to obtain a hot temperature (Thot) reading from the one temperature sensor having the associated heater, and to determine, based at least in part on the hot temperature (Thot) reading, whether to issue an airflow warning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: International Business Machines Corporation
  • Patent number: 8662744
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a position sensor in an automotive transmission having a transmission housing having mounted therein a casing (10) for the position sensor which includes a pressure member (14) movably supported in the casing (10), and an electrical displacement sensor (38) actuated by the pressure member (14) for measuring the position of the pressure member (14) relative to the casing (10), such that, after the casing (10) of the position sensor has been mounted in the transmission housing, the displacement sensor (38) is used for performing at least one calibration measurement for at least one gear position, and, for each gear position to be detected, a tolerance range for the corresponding measurement value of the displacement sensor is defined on the basis of the result of the calibration measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Rollax GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Rösch, Thomas Ullrich
  • Patent number: 8662745
    Abstract: A method of measuring conditions of an ultrasonic instrument includes providing an ultrasonic instrument that includes an end effector and a waveguide operably coupled to a generator and the end effector. The method involves generating one or more pulses with the generator, transmitting the one or more pulses to one or both of the waveguide and the end effector, generating one or more waves that scatter in an interferential pattern in response to the transmission of the one or more pulses, registering a signal indicative of the interferential pattern, generating an actual interferential pattern based upon the signal, and identifying one or more conditions of the end effector based upon the actual interferential pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Igoris Misuchenko, Georgy Martsinovskiy
  • Publication number: 20140056325
    Abstract: A redundant temperature measurement probe is described that may include any number of features. In one embodiment, the probe includes a pair of resistive sensors, a pair of output wires, and a shared ground wire for a total of three wires. The first and second resistive sensors of the probe can be electrically connected to a controller to measure temperature and detect when a fault in the probe occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Velomedix, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Guerra, Byron Reynolds
  • Patent number: 8657487
    Abstract: A method for on-orbit calibration of the temperature sensors of a simulated blackbody is disclosed. The method may include selecting a simulated blackbody traveling in a micro-gravity environment and comprising a sensor, a container positioned proximate the senor and containing a material, and a heat transfer device positioned proximate the at least one container. The heat transfer device may transition the material through a phase change. The temperature sensor may monitor the temperature of the material during the phase change. A correction may be calculated to correct any disparity between the temperature reported by the temperature sensor during the phase change and the known plateau temperature corresponding to that phase change. The correction may be applied to subsequent temperature readings obtained using the temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Utah State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Gail Bingham, Troy Shane Topham, Alan Thurgood
  • Patent number: 8651734
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling a drywell including a receiver having upper and lower ends with the lower end being more insulated than the upper end having a temperature sensor in thermal contact therewith. Upper and lower heating elements are in thermal contact with the upper and lower ends, respectively. A controller includes an integrated circuit having a temperature sensor. A reading from the integrated circuit is used to control power to the upper heating element and reduce a temperature gradient between the upper and lower ends of the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: Allen Erik Sjogren, Eric Nerdrum
  • Patent number: 8636407
    Abstract: A wireless temperature sensor includes an electrical conductor and a dielectric material on the conductor. The conductor is electrically unconnected and is shaped for storage of an electric field and a magnetic field. In the presence of a time-varying magnetic field, the conductor resonates to generate harmonic electric and magnetic field responses, each of which has a frequency associated therewith. The material is selected such that it experiences changes in either dielectric or magnetic permeability attributes in the presence of a temperature change. Shifts from the sensor's baseline frequency response indicate that the material has experienced a temperature change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Marie Woodard
  • Patent number: 8633723
    Abstract: A semiconductor apparatus according to aspects of the invention includes a power MOSFET including a main MOSFET and sensing MOSFET's. The main MOSFET and the sensing MOSFET's are formed on a semiconductor substrate, and a sensing MOSFET is selected for changing the sensing ratio and further for confining the sensing ratio variations within a certain narrow range stably from a low main current range to a high main current range. A semiconductor apparatus according to aspects of the invention facilitates reducing the manufacturing costs thereof, obviating the cumbersomeness caused in the use thereof, and confining the sensing ratio variations within a certain narrow range stably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeyuki Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8616764
    Abstract: A test component coated with a coating system is provided. In at least one defined region of the test component, there is a delamination having defined properties deliberately introduced into the coating system. The test component may be employed in a method for testing a thermography apparatus that is designed for carrying out a thermography method, for its correct operation with a view to the detection of delaminations. In order to test the thermography apparatus, the at least one defined delamination of the coating system is detected on the test component by using the thermography method employed in the thermography apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Francis-Jurjen Ladru, Bernhard Siebert
  • Publication number: 20130343421
    Abstract: An engine air system for charge flow temperature estimation includes a charge air cooler outlet temperature sensor configured to provide a first temperature signal, an exhaust gas recirculation outlet temperature sensor configured to provide a second temperature signal, and a control module configured to receive the first temperature signal and the second temperature signal. The control module includes a charge flow temperature estimation module configured to determine an the estimated charge flow temperature at an intake manifold temperature sensing position based on a combination of the first temperature signal multiplied by an estimated fresh air fraction and the second temperature signal multiplied by an exhaust gas recirculation fraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Ognyan N. Yanakiev, Charles E. Solbrig, Ryle Maxson
  • Patent number: 8608376
    Abstract: A method for modeling the performance of a laterally diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) device across a wide temperature range is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of positioning the device in an environment chamber operable to create a plurality of environment temperatures; connecting the pins of the device to a measurement system operable to measure at least one device characteristic; operating the environment chamber to set a series of four environment temperatures, acquiring a value of the device characteristic from the measurement system at each temperature, and extracting a temperature parameter set based on the value of the device characteristic at each temperature, then generating a temperature-scaling model for the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas
    Inventors: Avinash S. Kashyap, H. Alan Mantooth
  • Patent number: 8607612
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a reversible-binding sensor for detecting an analyte includes: (i) varying the temperature of a first calibration solution from a first temperature (T1) to a second temperature (T2) while the first calibration solution is in contact with a sensing region of the sensor; (ii) determining the sensor output for the first calibration solution as a function of temperature; (iii) varying the temperature of a second calibration solution from a third temperature (T3) to a fourth temperature (T4) while the second calibration solution is in contact with the sensing region, the second calibration solution having a concentration of analyte which is different from that of the first calibration solution; (iv) determining the sensor output for the second calibration solution as a function of temperature; and (v) using the determined sensor output from steps (ii) and (iv) to calibrate the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Lightship Medical Limited
    Inventors: Nicholas Paul Barwell, Peter Edgley, Alasdair Allan Mackenzie, William Paterson, Barry Colin Crane
  • Patent number: 8608374
    Abstract: An outside air temperature (OAT) diagnostic system includes an ambient temperature monitoring module that receives (i) an OAT signal from an OAT sensor and (ii) an intake air temperature (IAT) signal from an IAT sensor of an engine. The ambient temperature monitoring module compares the OAT signal to an IAT signal and generates a first difference signal. A performance reporting module determines whether the OAT sensor is exhibiting a fault and generates an OAT performance signal based on the first difference signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventors: Wajdi B. Hamama, Layne K. Wiggins, Wenbo Wang, Robert J. Horner, John F. Van Gilder, Keith M. Lindsey, Jr., Robert D. Wagner
  • Patent number: 8602645
    Abstract: A temperature detection system includes a power semiconductor device, a chip temperature detection device for detecting a temperature of the power semiconductor device, loss-related characteristic value acquiring means for acquiring a loss-related characteristic value that is a characteristic to decide a loss of the power semiconductor device, difference value calculating means for calculating, from the loss-related characteristic value, a difference value between the temperature of the power semiconductor device and a temperature detected by the chip temperature detection device, a corrected temperature signal generating part for generating a corrected temperature signal by adding the temperature detected by the chip temperature detection device and the difference value, and an output part for outputting the corrected temperature signal to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Noboru Miyamoto, Akira Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8600693
    Abstract: A monitoring, tracking, and calibration system tracks temperature data and the validity of temperature measuring devices. If an item is temperature sensitive, the system permits temperature readings to be taken by a remote transmitter or other temperature measuring device and stored by a computer. A calibration device is built into the remote transmitter or attached in line to a temperature sensor and include at least one fixed value. The remote transmitter samples that fixed value periodically or in response to an instruction from the computer. The computer, in turn, compares the fixed value to a respective expected value. If the comparison indicates that the fixed value compares favorably to the at least one respective expected value, the remote transmitter is considered calibrated and functioning correctly. Otherwise, the remote transmitter is considered faulty and an error is reported so that corrective action may be taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: The Veracity Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack J. Kennamer
  • Publication number: 20130315276
    Abstract: In one or more implementations, a temperature measuring system is provided, including a temperature sensing probe having (a) a thermistor operatively connected to a first conductor and (b) a resistor operatively connected to a second conductor, and a temperature determination application stored in a memory of a computing device operatively connected to the temperature sensing probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Kinsa, Inc.
    Inventor: Kinsa, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130308674
    Abstract: A system and method for conducting heating, ventilation, and Air Conditioning Analytics is disclosed. The system uses one or more wireless pneumatic thermostats (WPT) and/or various other sensors in communication with a control device to maintain, troubleshoot, calibrate, optimize, or otherwise adjust an installed pneumatic HVAC system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: CYPRESS ENVIROSYTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Marcus Kramer, Moses Derkalousdian
  • Patent number: 8585284
    Abstract: A temperature measurement apparatus includes a light source; a first splitter that splits a light beam into a measurement beam and a reference beam; a reference beam reflector that reflects the reference beam; an optical path length adjustor; a second splitter that splits the reflected reference beam into a first reflected reference beam and a second reflected reference beam; a first photodetector that measures an interference between the first reflected reference beam and a reflected measurement beam obtained by the measurement beam reflected from a target object; a second photodetector that measures an intensity of the second reflected reference beam; and a temperature calculation unit. The temperature calculation unit calculates a location of the interference by subtracting an output signal of the second photodetector from an output signal of the first photodetector, and calculates a temperature of the target object from the calculated location of the interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Jun Abe, Tatsuo Matsudo, Chishio Koshimizu
  • Patent number: 8581760
    Abstract: A digital-to-analog converter is disclosed. The converter includes a gradient correction module that generates a correction term based on a model of gradient error. The correction term is then applied to the signal path in the digital domain or applied to the output of the digital-to-analog converter in the analog domain. The model used to generate the correction term is based on a vertical gradient error in the array of current source elements, which may be modelled and calibrated using a second-order polynomial. Further, a digital-to-analog converter having a Nyquist DAC and an oversampled DAC is disclosed. When the oversampled DAC is enabled, the resolution of the Nyquist DAC may be increased while slowing the conversion rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Khurram Muhammad, Tajinder Manku, Semyon Lebedev
  • Publication number: 20130294475
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for verifying temperature measurements in an ultrasonic flow meter. In one embodiment, an ultrasonic flow metering system includes a passage for fluid flow, a temperature sensor, and an ultrasonic flow meter. The temperature sensor is disposed to measure temperature of fluid flowing in the passage. The ultrasonic flow meter includes a plurality of pairs of ultrasonic transducers and control electronics. Each pair of transducers is configured to form a chordal path across the passage between the transducers. The control electronics are coupled to the ultrasonic transducers. The control electronics are configured to measure speed of sound between each pair of transducers based on ultrasonic signals passing between the transducers of the pair. The control electronics are also configured to determine, based on the measured speeds of sound, whether a measured temperature value provided by the temperature sensor accurately represents temperature of the fluid flowing in the passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: DANIEL MEASUREMENT AND CONTROL, INC.
    Inventors: Charles W. DERR, Henry C. Straub, JR.
  • Patent number: 8573836
    Abstract: An apparatus evaluates a substrate mounting device adapted to hold a target substrate placed on a mounting surface and to control a temperature of the target substrate. The apparatus includes an evacuatable airtightly sealed chamber accommodating therein the substrate mounting device, a heat source, arranged in a facing relationship with the mounting surface, for irradiating infrared light. The apparatus further includes an evaluation-purpose substrate adapted to be mounted on the mounting surface in place of the target substrate, the evaluation-purpose substrate being made of an infrared light absorbing material, and having a unit for measuring temperatures at plural sites on a surface and/or inside of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Yasuharu Sasaki, Takehiro Ueda, Taketoshi Okajo, Kaoru Oohashi