Multiple Distinct Sensing Elements Patents (Class 374/204)
  • Patent number: 8128282
    Abstract: A microsystem component with a device (3) deformable under the influence of temperature changes is disclosed. The device comprises at least one first (4, 5) and second (8) element with differing thermal expansion coefficients and different thermal conductivities. The elements (4, 5; 8) are physically separate and arranged and connected to each other such that the device (3) assumes flexure states which are dependent on the temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Universitaet Kassel
    Inventors: Ivo Rangelow, Tzvetan Ivanov, Katerina Ivanova
  • Patent number: 7942825
    Abstract: A method and device for monitoring thermal stress in a user is described. The device is designed to include a material having specific thermodynamic properties and physical dimensions defined as a function of those thermodynamic properties. A system for thermal stress monitoring including a thermal stress monitoring device configured within a garment is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Inc.
    Inventors: Sridhar Ranganathan, Andrew Thomas Baker, Ralph Andrew Solarski, Joel P. Anderson, Jeanne Marie Gatto, Jeff Heller
  • Publication number: 20100040113
    Abstract: A sensing system, sensing method, and method of producing a sensing system capable of providing a cumulative measurement capability, such as in the form of a RFID tag capable of measuring cumulative heat and humidity for continuous monitoring of storage and shipping conditions of various goods. The system includes integrated circuitry and a plurality of sensing elements, preferably having cantilevered bimorph beams. Each sensing element is responsive to an environmental condition so as to deflect toward and away from open contacts in response to changes in the environmental condition. Each sensing element produces a digital output when it contacts and closes its open contacts. The integrated circuitry interfaces with the sensing elements so that the digital outputs of the sensing elements are processed to generate a system output of the sensing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: EVIGIA SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Navid Yazdi
  • Publication number: 20090213900
    Abstract: A microsystem component with a device (3) deformable under the influence of temperature changes is disclosed. The device comprises at least one first (4, 5) and second (8) element with differing thermal expansion coefficients and different thermal conductivities. The elements (4, 5; 8) are physically separate and arranged and connected to each other such that the device (3) assumes flexure states which are dependent on the temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Ivo Rangelow, Tzvetan Ivanov, Katerina Ivanova
  • Patent number: 7549797
    Abstract: The invention provides a temperature measurement system including a temperature sensor and means for biasing the temperature sensor in the direction of a thermal energy source in response to receiving thermal energy from the source. The invention also provides a continuous casting system including at least one temperature sensor disposed in the secondary cooling region and means for biasing the temperature sensor in the direction of the strand of metal in response to receiving thermal energy from the strand of metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas C. Myhre
  • Patent number: 5215378
    Abstract: A dual temperature indicator providing visual indications when exposed to predetermined high or low temperatures. The indicator has a bulb with a capillary tube and an attached high temperature indicator structure. The bulb has a first liquid which also fills a predetermined portion of the tube. A separating substance and a second miscible liquid further fills a predetermined portion of the remainder of the tube. At a predetermined low temperature, the liquid in the bulb contracts causing the separating substance and a portion of the second liquid to move into the bulb to produce a visible color change. The high temperature indicator structure has an indicating member in contact with the capillary tube end and which provides a visual indication at a predetermined high temperature when the liquids expand upon an environmental temperature increase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Introtech, Inc.
    Inventor: Wendell J. Manske
  • Patent number: 4994780
    Abstract: An extended resistance temperature sensor formed of a plurality of lengths of pre-insulated resistance temperature detector (RTD) wire. The RTD wire is either unheated, self heated or is heated by means of strands of heater wire integrated with or placed closely adjacent to the RTD wire. The RTD wire itself, or together with the heater wire, is bonded together in one embodiment. Alternatively the RTD wire, or with the heater wire, may be encased in insulated shrink tubing, thin wall metal tubing or both. Connectors are provided to supply electrical current for heating purposes or to connect the RTD wire to detection circuitry, or both. Protective sheaths are provided over the connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Fluid Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Malcolm M. McQueen
  • Patent number: 4787397
    Abstract: A hot and cold sensor discrimination unit having an insulated liquid-filled container with a temperature indicator and a metal probe with a temperature indicator for use in perception of temperature by a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew Rolyan, Inc.
    Inventors: Peer Lindemann, Robert R. Ungemach
  • Patent number: 4738706
    Abstract: The device comprises a three-dimensional grid of thermocouples which are immersed in a fluid, which is moving in a covered channel and has a temperature above that of its environment. Apertures in the sheathing of the channel can be progressively closed by shutters so as to control the cooling of the fluid through an outgoing radiation through the apertures. Burners with a variable intensity are placed within the channel and allow to heat up the fluid in the vicinity of each burner. The position of each shutter and the fuel flow to each burner are commanded severally, based on the values emitted by the ensemable of the thermocouples in order to obtain a homogeneous repartition of the temperature of the fluid, transversally with respect to the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Assignee: Glass Advanced Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Vittorio Picinelli
  • Patent number: 4415279
    Abstract: A method and a meter for measuring the quantity of heat abstracted from a circulating flow of liquid by a consumption unit. Indirect measurement of the volume flow rate of the liquid is made, while maintaining a sub heat flow (Q shunt) from or to the main heat flow transported by the flow of liquid and measuring the temperature at some points by means of temperature sensors (4). The volume flow rate of the flow of liquid is determined on the basis of the flow rate dependent heat transfer in the boundary layer (7) of the flow of liquid at the location, where the sub heat flow (Q shunt) leaves or enters, by determining the temperature differential (.DELTA.T.sub.i,b) across the boundary layer, and the sub heat flow (Q shunt) passing through said boundary layer (7). At least one absolute temperature of the flow of liquid is measured for correcting the temperature dependency of the material constants of the liquid involved in said determination of the volume flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1983
    Assignee: N.V. Tot Keuring van Elektrotechnische Materialen
    Inventors: Robert H. J. Beuse, Han R. van Iterson, Jan W. Jansen, Petrus H. M. Wichern
  • Patent number: 4359637
    Abstract: With the heretofore known monitoring systems the parameters or magnitudes to be monitored are converted into electrical signals and transmitted, by means of electrical lines or conductors, to a central station. Because electrical signal transmitters are undesired, particularly in explosion endangered atmospheres or surroundings and, further, since spurious signals can be induced in electrical signal lines, proposals have already been made to utilize monitoring apparatuses working with optical signal conductors. The different embodiments of feelers of the invention, for optical monitoring apparatuses, enable monitoring the continuous change and/or exceeding a predetermined threshold, of electrical, mechanical and thermal parameters or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1982
    Inventor: Benno Perren