Abstract: A computing and indicating device having a display which is calibrated through a range of 0% to 100% of usable heat energy remaining in a heat storage unit. The limits of such range are adjustable to meet the desires of the user. A plurality of comparators compare the temperature of the heat storage unit to biasing signals of progressively different values. Each comparator is effective to energize one of a plurality of displays. Each display represents a different percent of usable heat remaining.

Abstract: The heat exchange mantle of a reaction vessel is connected with a circulating pump and a chamber provided with an electrical heating coil to form a heat exchange circulation system. To this main circulation system, a cooling circulation system comprising a circulating pump and a heat exchanger is connected by way of a continuously operable valve. The temperature of the medium circulating in the main circulation system can be very effectively and rapidly influenced by dosed addition of cooled circulation medium from the cooling circulation system into the main circulation system as well as by heating with the electrical heating coil. In the cooling circulation system, in the reaction vessel and in its mantle, temperature sensors are arranged which are linked to a control computer. The computer controls the electrical heating coil and the valve in such a manner that the temperature in the reaction vessel or in its mantle, respectively, has a desired distribution prescribed by the operational mode.

Abstract: A battery microcalorimeter comprising a thin sample container, a pair of heat sinks having faces apposed to the faces of the container, and a pair of thermopiles having first faces thermally engaging the faces of the container and second faces thermally engaging the faces of the heat sinks. The container is divided into separate chambers, one receiving the non-liquid elements of the battery cell, and the other receiving a heater with electrolyte. By tilting the container electrolyte is transferred between the chambers.

Abstract: The basal metabolic rate (BMR) of a human subject is measured with the subject reclining in a non-adiabatic whole-body calorimeter. Heat losses which occur through the uninsulated wall of the calorimeter chamber during the measurement period are determined in a preliminary calibration step, in the absence of the subject. The BMR measurement is simply made, requiring only the determination of the ambient air and the calorimeter chamber inlet air temperatures, the change of outlet air temperature with time (open circuit), air flow rate, and relative humidity. The use of insulation, sensors in the calorimeter wall and of a circulating water stream to measure temperature increase are unnecessary.

Abstract: A calorimeter for measuring the quantity of heat flowing through a solid surface, comprises a heat insulated chamber having a recess of predetermined volume, to be placed against the surface whose heat flow is to be measured. Within the recess is a thermometer. The thermometer measures the initial temperature of the recess when the device is applied to the surface whose heat flow is to be measured, and also the final temperature of the recess after a predetermined period of time. Having regard for the temperature change during the elapsed time, and the volume of the chamber, the heat flow through the surface to which the device is applied can be calculated and displayed.

Abstract: In a radiation heat loss detector, radiation from an extended surface area is detected with a sensor having a wide field of view closely matching that of an associated camera. By simultaneously photographing the surface area of interest and detecting the radiation from that same area, a clear record is provided for future use. A wide band radiation sensor is used. Compensation for environmental radiation is made by first viewing the environment with the sensor and holding the sensed signal and then subtracting that signal from the flux detected when the sensor faces the extended surface area. The date and time are also recorded on the photograph. A sonar device positioned on the camera provides a distance indication which, with a known field of view, allows for a determination of the total flux from the surface area, a determination of convective heat losses from the surface and a correction for atmospheric absorption of the radiant energy.