Determination Of Inherent Thermal Property (e.g., Heat Flow Coefficient) Patents (Class 374/43)
  • Patent number: 8573835
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the measurement of thermal conductivity combines the following capabilities: 1) measurements of very small specimens; 2) measurements of specimens with thermal conductivity on the same order of that as air; and, 3) the ability to use air as a reference material. Care is taken to ensure that the heat flow through the test specimen is essentially one-dimensional. No attempt is made to use heated guards to minimize the flow of heat from the hot plate to the surroundings. Results indicate that since large correction factors must be applied to account for guard imperfections when specimen dimensions are small, simply measuring and correcting for heat from the heater disc that does not flow into the specimen is preferable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Robert A Miller, Maria A Kuczmarski
  • Publication number: 20130266038
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring thermal diffusivity includes a Raman spectroscope, a heating device, and a signal analyzing unit. The Raman spectroscope is utilized to measure a Raman scattering intensity of different sites of a film to be measured. The heating device is utilized to provide a controllable thermal driving wave. The signal analyzing unit is utilized to analyze the Raman scattering intensity from the Raman spectroscope and the thermal driving wave so as to evaluate the thermal diffusivity of the film to be measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Chih-Chao Shih, Jin-Bao Wu, Ming-Sheng Leu
  • Publication number: 20130243028
    Abstract: A technique facilitates the monitoring of thermodynamic properties of reservoir fluids. The technique utilizes a modular sensor assembly designed to evaluate a sample of a hydrocarbon-containing fluid within a cell body. A variety of sensors may be selectively placed into communication with a sample chamber within the cell body to evaluate the sample at potentially high pressures and temperatures. The sensors may comprise a density-viscosity sensor located in-situ to efficiently measure both the density and viscosity of the sample as a function of pressure and temperature. Other sensors, such as an optic sensor, may also be positioned to measure parameters of the sample while the sample is retained in the sample chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Anil Singh, Kurt Schmidt, Brian Abbott, Robert J. Schroeder, Eric Paul Donzler
  • Patent number: 8538733
    Abstract: Methods are provided that operate on raw dissociation data and dissociation curves to generate calibrations of the detected data and to further improve analysis of the data. The data can be taken from each support region of a multi-region platform, for example, from each well of a multi-well plate. Each support region can be loaded with portions of the same sample. In some embodiments, a dissociation curve correction can be calibrated for the sample, prior to a run of an experiment using such sample. In some embodiments, a method is provided for generating a melting transition region of dissociation curves that show the melting characteristics of the sample. In some embodiments, dye temperature dependence correction can be performed on the dissociation curve data to further improve analysis. In some embodiments, a feature vector can be derived from the melt data, and the feature vector can be used to further improve genotyping analysis of the dissociation curves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Francis T. Cheng, Casey R. McFarland
  • Patent number: 8517600
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed wherein differential heat transfer resistances are used to effectively and efficiently detect the early onset of deposit accumulation in industrial fluid processes and fluid transport vehicles. According to one embodiment, a probe is provided in conjunction with a heat source, a water source and a probe. The probe is comprised of a heat transfer surface, a first part of which is covered only by a thin metal layer. The second or remaining portion of the heat transfer surface is covered by a heat flux sensor and a thin metal layer. The metal layers of both the first and second areas of the probe are connected, and water flows across the full heat transfer surface. Deposition forms on a portion of the heat transfer surface as a result of slow water flow and elevated water temperature. The temperatures of the heat source, water source, and heat flux are measured. The deposition rate as a rate of change of heat transfer resistance is measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Zhaoyang Wan, Caibin Xiao
  • Patent number: 8516829
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can provide systems and methods for modifying the operation and/or performance of a gas turbine. According to one embodiment, a method for modifying the performance of a gas turbine comprising one or more combustors can be provided. The method can include measuring a gas exhaust temperature for the gas turbine and estimating a heat transfer rate for the gas turbine based at least in part on the gas exhaust temperature. After estimating the heat transfer rate, the method can continue by estimating a transiently accurate combustion reference temperature and using this parameter to control the one or more combustors of the gas turbine. In doing so, the performance of the gas turbine can be modified to ensure reliable and consistent operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Ewens, Kevin Wilkes, Christopher Long, Noemie Dion Ouellet
  • Patent number: 8485725
    Abstract: A system for detecting a change in medium sensed by a thermistor comprises a first module that receives a temperature signal from a thermistor and that calculates a first dissipation factor of the thermistor. A second module receives the first dissipation factor of the thermistor and detects at least one of an unexpected medium and a change in medium based on the first dissipation factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventors: Brian Carl Nelson, Marilyn L. Kindermann, Brian K. Kowalczyk, Christian G. Masson
  • Patent number: 8469587
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for measuring the convective heat transfer coefficients of nanofluids, which can realize a small-sized structure and can accurately control the movement velocity of a hot wire sensor within a fluid. The apparatus for measuring the convective heat transfer coefficients of nanofluids according to the present invention includes a sensor unit, a transfer unit and a liquid container. The transfer unit is formed on the sensor unit and is configured to allow the sensor unit to longitudinally reciprocate in a direction parallel to a ground surface with the sensor unit spaced apart from the ground surface. The liquid container is arranged below and spaced apart from the sensor unit, and is configured to allow a nanofluid or a base fluid, a convective heat transfer coefficient of which needs to be measured, to be put therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Korea Electric Power Corporation
    Inventors: Cheol Choi, Je-Myung Oh, Mi-Hee Jung, Shin-Pyo Lee
  • Publication number: 20130136151
    Abstract: A highly adaptive thermal properties measurement system and measuring method thereof, for measuring various thermal property values of a device under test without actually lighting up the device under test, are disclosed. The measurement system includes a light source unit, a light modulation module, a holding unit, a thermal reflection unit, a thermal signal capture unit, and a control and computation unit. A light field provided from the light source unit is first modulated by the light modulation module for its distribution of intensity, and then illuminates on the device under test such that the device under test is heated in a specific mode so as to simulate a temperature distribution of the device under test in a state of continuous operation. Further, the control and computation unit computes various thermal property values of the device under test based on a top-surface thermal signal and a bottom-surface thermal signal captured by the thermal signal capture unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: NATIONAL CENTRAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: National Central University
  • Patent number: 8444314
    Abstract: A thermal oxidation tester is shown for determining thermal stability of a fluid, particularly hydrocarbons when subjected to elevated temperatures. The tendency of the heated fluid to oxidize and (1) form deposits on a surface of a heater tube and (2) form solids therein, are both measured at a given flow rate, temperature and time. The measured results are used to determine whether a fluid sample passes or fails the test. Results of the measurements are recorded. The fluid under test is pumped with a low volume, high pressure, single piston pump with only a small fluctuation (pulsation) in output flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Petroleum Analyzer Company, LP
    Inventors: Larry M. Youngblood, David G. Anderson, Guoxing Yang
  • Patent number: 8444315
    Abstract: The invention is related to methods for determining thermophysical properties of solid bodies, particularly, to methods for determining thermal conductivity and volumetric heat capacity. In accordance with the method, a reference sample and sequentially located samples of solid bodies are heated by a thermal energy source moving at a constant speed relative to the reference sample and the samples being studied. Excessive temperatures of the surfaces of the reference sample and the studied samples at points on a line of heating are measured and the thermophysical properties of the reference sample and the samples being studied are determined. Arbitrary shape samples are used and thermal conductivity and volumetric heat capacity of the samples are determined by solving an inverse coefficient problem of thermal conductivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Petrovich Skibin, Yury Anatolievich Popov, Daria Aleksandrovna Mustafina, Valery Vasilievich Shako
  • Patent number: 8434938
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a temperature and/or a temperature-dependent parameter of an optical element arranged in a path of a laser beam includes a measuring light source to produce measuring radiation and direct the measuring radiation to the optical element, a detector arranged to detect a portion of the measuring radiation that has passed through a passage region of the optical element, an evaluating device connected to the detector to monitor the temperature and/or the temperature-dependent parameter. The evaluating device is configured to determine the temperature and/or the temperature-dependent parameter based on an intensity of the measuring radiation detected by the detector in the passage region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Trumpf Laser-und Systemtechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Schulz
  • Patent number: 8388221
    Abstract: A corresponding relation between heat resistance values of first heat dissipation modules under a non-uniform heat source and heat resistance values of the first heat dissipation modules under a uniform heat source is described through a linear equation. Therefore, before second heat dissipation modules are tested, a calculation is performed with the linear equation, such that a target heat resistance value of the first heat dissipation modules arranged on the non-uniform heat source is corresponding to a standard heat resistance value of the first heat dissipation modules arranged on the uniform heat source. Afterwards, it is predicted whether the second heat dissipation modules arranged on the non-uniform heat source satisfy a test standard or not by using a test heat resistance value acquired by testing the second heat dissipation modules arranged on the uniform heat source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventors: Feng-Ku Wang, Yi-Lun Cheng
  • Patent number: 8371747
    Abstract: A thermal oxidation tester is shown for determining thermal stability of a fluid, particularly hydrocarbons when subjected to elevated temperatures. The tendency of the heated fluid to oxidize and (1) form deposits on a surface of a heater tube and (2) form solids therein, are both measured at a given flow rate, temperature and time. The measured results are used to determine whether a fluid sample passes or fails the test. Results of measurements can be recorded in a memory device on one end of the heater tube on which the deposits were made. A method and apparatus is also provided to determine if the isolated heater tube has an electrical short to ground through the test section housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Petroleum Analyzer Company, LP
    Inventors: David G. Anderson, Guoxing Yang
  • Publication number: 20120327969
    Abstract: A test device for testing a heat sink including a plurality of fasteners is provided. Each fastener includes a screw and a spring sleeved on the screw. The test device includes a base, a heater arranged on the base, and a temperature sensor staying in contact with the heater and configured to detect a temperature of the heater. A timer counts a time duration during which the temperature of the heater changes from a first value to a second value. The heat sink is connected to the base by the screws and resides on the heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: HUNG-CHOU CHAN, XIAO-FENG MA
  • Patent number: 8328417
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a photoelastic method for measuring the absolute zero crossover temperature Tzc of a sample of materials (transparent glass, glass-ceramic or ceramic) directly, without requiring calibration against a primary technique. The method involves subjecting the sample to a temperature gradient that generates a stress distribution pattern within the sample. When some portion of the sample is at a temperature equal to the Tzc of the material, the pattern adopts an easily identifiable shape whose measurement allows the calculation of Tzc. Silica-titania glass, which has a low thermal expansion, is used as an exemplary material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventor: Carlos Duran
  • Patent number: 8322919
    Abstract: A fiber-optic temperature sensor with a cantilever beam including two different material strips with different thermal expansion coefficients, the cantilever beam having a reflective surface on an end of the cantilever beam, an optical fiber probe including a transmitting multimode optical fiber and at least one receiving multimode optical fiber for receiving reflected light from the reflective surface. Temperature changes at the sensor are indicated by a change in reflected light coupled into the receiving multimode optical fiber due to lateral displacement of the edge of the reflective surface caused by bending of the cantilever beam. Some embodiments have additional reference receiving fibers for compensation for noise, changes in gap length, and other factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Nicholas Lagakos, Joseph A Bucaro
  • Patent number: 8313236
    Abstract: A thermal conductivity detector includes a structure defining a cavity, the structure principally comprising a material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion; a sensing element for sensing a thermal conductivity of a gas flowing within the cavity, the sensing element having a second coefficient of thermal expansion different from the third first coefficient of thermal expansion, the sensing element being disposed at least in part within the cavity; and a compensation structure having a third coefficient of thermal expansion different from the first and second thermal coefficients of expansion. Over a selected temperature range, a stress within the sensing element is less than a yield stress of any component of the sensing element, and a stress within the compensation structure is less than a yield stress of any component of the compensation structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Phillip W. Barth
  • 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: 8308351
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for measuring temperature coefficients of a concentrator photovoltaic module. The apparatus includes a solar simulator for providing a radiant source, a environment chamber, a concentrator photovoltaic module, a temperature control unit for controlling the temperature of environment chamber, a circuit-voltage curve measurement unit for measuring current-voltage characteristics of a photovoltaic device and a reference cell for measuring the irradiation of the solar simulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Atomic Energy Council-Institute of Nuclear Energy Research
    Inventors: Yi-Ru Hsu, Tsung-Te Lin, Chii-Neng Ou Yang, Cheng-Ban Chung, Yao-Tung Hsu
  • Patent number: 8308350
    Abstract: [Problem] To provide a method that can determine a thermal property of a substrate in a short time and a method that can determine a thermal process condition of an open-loop step. [Solving Means] In accordance with the substrate thermal property determining method of the present invention in a rapid thermal processing apparatus 1 comprising lamps 9 for heating a wafer W and temperature sensors T1 to T7 arranged so as to oppose the lamps 9, temperature data sequentially outputted from the temperature sensors T1 to T7 is obtained, while subjecting the wafer W arranged between the lamps 9 and temperature sensors T1 to T7 to pulsed heating with the lamps 9. Thereafter, the thermal property of the wafer W is determined by using the temperature data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoichiro Yasuda, Toshiyuki Tsukamoto, Masamori Sanaka, Hiroshi Asechi, Atsuhiro Ogura
  • Patent number: 8303171
    Abstract: An inverter device is provided that can measure a decrease in cooling capacity caused by a finite service life of a cooling fan or clogging of a cooling fin, without being affected by an ambient temperature or a load state. A thermal time constant is calculated in a thermal time constant calculation circuit from a temperature detection value from a temperature detection circuit and a time signal from a timer on the basis of an operation/stop command for the inverter device. The calculated value of the thermal time constant calculated in the thermal time constant calculation circuit is compared by a comparator with a reference value of the thermal time constant that is stored in advance in a memory. Whether the cooling capacity has decreased is determined based on the comparison results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8292498
    Abstract: A thermal oxidation tester is shown for determining thermal stability of a fluid, particularly hydrocarbons when subjected to elevated temperatures. The tendency of the heated fluid to oxidize and (1) form deposits on a surface of a heater tube and (2) form solids therein, are both measured at a given flow rate, temperature and time. The measured results are used to determine whether a fluid sample passes or fails the test. At the beginning of each test, the test sample is aerated with dry air until saturation. Simultaneously, the test equipment is primed to remove pockets of air there from. After each test, the test equipment is flushed to remove the test sample there from.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Petroleum Analyzer Company, LP
    Inventors: David G. Anderson, Larry M. Youngblood, Guoxing Yang, Larry A. Spino, Scott K. Berkhous
  • Patent number: 8287183
    Abstract: A method of thermal inspection of a component defining at least one internal passageway. The method includes receiving a continuous sequence of thermal images of at least an exit hole defined by the at least one internal passageway at a surface of the component. The method also includes delivering a pressurized airflow pulse into the at least one internal passageway, receiving a temperature response signal as function of time based on the received thermal images, determining a first derivative of the temperature response signal, and determining a level of blockage of the at least one internal passageway based on the first derivative of the temperature response signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Thermal Wave Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Shepard, James R. Lhota, Tasdiq Ahmed, Bharat B. Chaudhry
  • Patent number: 8277118
    Abstract: A thermal oxidation tester is shown for determining thermal stability of a fluid, particularly hydrocarbons when subjected to elevated temperatures. The tendency of the heated fluid to oxidize and (1) form deposits on a surface of a heater tube and (2) form solids therein, are both measured at a given flow rate, temperature and time. The measured results are used to determine whether a fluid sample passes or fails the test. Sample flow rate is important in the jet fuel thermal oxidation test. Current practice requires manual drop counting or flow confirmation with the use of volumetric glassware. An apparatus is described to precisely measure the flow rate and automatically perform flow rate check using a drip rate method and/or volumetric method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Petroleum Analyzer Company, LP
    Inventors: David G. Anderson, Larry M. Youngblood, Guoxing Yang, Larry A. Spino, Scott K. Berkhous, Fang Fang
  • Patent number: 8262283
    Abstract: A thermal oxidation tester is shown for determining thermal stability of a fluid, particularly hydrocarbons when subjected to elevated temperatures. The tendency of the heated fluid to oxidize and (1) form deposits on a surface of a heater tube and (2) form solids therein, are both measured at a given flow rate, temperature and time. The measured results are used to determine whether a fluid sample passes or fails the test. Results of measurements are recorded in a memory device on one end of the heater tube on which the deposits were made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Petroleum Analyzer Company, LP
    Inventors: Guoxing Yang, David G. Anderson, Larry M. Youngblood, Fang Fang, Sean E. Rick, Larry A. Spino, Scott K. Berkhous
  • Patent number: 8246244
    Abstract: A thermal oxidation tester is shown for determining thermal stability of a fluid, particularly hydrocarbons, when subjected to elevated temperatures. The tendency of the heated fluid to oxidize and (1) form deposits on a surface of a heater tube and (2) form solids therein which are both measured at a given flow rate, temperature and time. The measured results are used to determine whether a fluid sample passes or fails the test. Specifically constructed containers used in a thermal oxidation tester are shown. These containers (1) reduce physical contact to hydrocarbon test fuels, (2) reduce exposure to hydrocarbon fuel vapors, (3) reduce environmental impact by reducing chemical spills, and (4) improve overall work flow of test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Petroleum Analyzer Company LP
    Inventors: Larry M. Youngblood, David G. Anderson, Guoxing Yang, Scott K. Berkhous, Larry A. Spino
  • Patent number: 8235589
    Abstract: The specific heat of a working fluid flowing along a channel is measured without having to provide an explicit flow rate correction. A specific heat sensing probe is configured with a stagnation enclosure surrounding a thermal transfer sensor. The stagnation enclosure is designed to provide a stagnation chamber in throttled communication with an outside of the enclosure so that the working fluid can flow into and out of the stagnation chamber at a seepage rate substantially less than the fluid flow rate. The thermal transfer sensor is operable to exchange heat with adjacent fluid and to provide a signal representative of the quantity of heat exchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Murray F Feller
  • Patent number: 8220989
    Abstract: A hot plate method and apparatus for the measurement of thermal conductivity combines the following capabilities: 1) measurements of very small specimens; 2) measurements of specimens with thermal conductivity on the same order of that as air; and, 3) the ability to use air as a reference material. Care is taken to ensure that the heat flow through the test specimen is essentially one-dimensional. No attempt is made to use heated guards to minimize the flow of heat from the hot plate to the surroundings. Results indicate that since large correction factors must be applied to account for guard imperfections when specimen dimensions are small, simply measuring and correcting for heat from the heater disc that does not flow into the specimen is preferable. The invention is a hot plate method capable of using air as a standard reference material for the steady-state measurement of the thermal conductivity of very small test samples having thermal conductivity on the order of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Robert A. Miller, Maria A. Kuczmarski
  • Patent number: 8215829
    Abstract: A method of analyzing thermal stress includes calculating a distribution of the number of fillers in a composite integrally molded product by using physical property values of resin material containing fillers, and determining a coefficient of linear expansion of the resin material in the composite integrally molded product, that is used as an input condition of a thermal stress analysis, based on the distribution of the number of the fillers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Elpida Memory, Inc.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Kono, Masayuki Mino, Hidehiro Takeshima, Youkou Ito, Tomoko Goi
  • Patent number: 8197124
    Abstract: A rack mount assembly measurement tool, for determining physical values including air flow and heat loads, includes a front assembly and a rear duct assembly that are non-intrusively and releasably mounted on the front and rear of such rack mount enclosure. Physical values are sensed at multiple vertical locations to enable a determination of overall and localized heat loads within the enclosure. Front sensor values are collected and wirelessly transmitted from the front assembly to a receiver/processor supported on the rear duct, which generates computed values that are displayed in addition to the sensed values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Claassen, Dennis John Hansen, Cary Michael Huettner, Madhusudan K Iyengar, Roger R Schmidt, Kenneth Robert Schneebeli, Gerard Vincent Weber, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8186873
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided for determining thermal resistance values of building materials through the use of infrared cameras. In one example, an infrared camera may be used to capture one or more infrared images of a wall. Using temperatures obtained from the images, a thermal resistance value such as an R-Value associated with the wall may be determined. Potential cost savings associated with adjusting the thermal resistance value may also be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Flir Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert P. Madding
  • Patent number: 8156632
    Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a system for sensing attributes of tissue in at least one direction is provided. The system includes a thermal conductivity probe having a sensor configured to measure thermal conductivity in the target tissue in at least one direction, and an electrical conductivity probe having a sensor configured to measure electrical conductivity in the target tissue in at least one direction, a power supply operatively coupled to the thermal conductivity probe and being configured to supply power to the thermal conductivity probe, an impedance analyzer operatively coupled to the electrical conductivity probe, and a computer operatively coupled to at least one of the power supply, the multimeter and the impedance analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: TYCO Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Roop L. Mahajan, Ming Yi, Ronald J. Podhajsky, Hrishikesh V. Panchawagh
  • Patent number: 8136981
    Abstract: Disclosed is a heat transfer evaluation apparatus of a nano-fluid including: a long pipe formed as a circular pipe; a rubber tube connected to one end of the long pipe to surround the outer surface of the long pipe; a short pipe communicated through the rubber tube; and a hot wire sensor formed of a metal hot wire at one end of the short pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventors: Cheol Choi, Je-Myung Oh, Shin-Pyo Lee, Mi-Hee Jung
  • Patent number: 8128278
    Abstract: A method for measuring a metal film thickness is provided. The method initiates with heating a region of interest of a metal film with a defined amount of heat energy. Then, a temperature of the metal film is measured. Next, a thickness of the metal film is calculated based upon the temperature and the defined amount of heat energy. A chemical mechanical planarization system capable of detecting a thin metal film through the detection of heat transfer dynamics is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Yehiel Gotkis, Mikhail Korolik
  • Patent number: 8118481
    Abstract: A detector for identifying a fluid is disclosed. The detector comprises a probe having a thermistor, the probe being arranged to be exposed to a fluid and to allow thermal flow between the fluid and the thermistor; a temperature sensor to measure the ambient temperature of the fluid and a controller. The controller is arranged to supply electrical power to the thermistor and to provide an output indicative of the identity of the fluid based upon whether the electrical power supplied to the thermistor is above or below a threshold value. The threshold value is adjustable in accordance with the measured ambient temperature of the fluid. Examples of such a detector provide reliable fluid identification despite variations in ambient temperature of the fluid and such a detector may be compact, inexpensive, reliable and robust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Philip George Camp
  • Patent number: 8104953
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining heat transfer characteristics are provided. In this regard, a representative system for determining heat transfer characteristics includes: a stereolithographic model of a component, the model having a surface; and a test article mounted to the surface such that an extension of the test article protrudes from and is thermally insulated from the surface of the model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Arthur J. Van Suetendael, Jeffrey Prausa, Jason Ostanek, Karen A. Thole
  • Patent number: 8104952
    Abstract: Provided is a micro heat flux sensor array having reduced heat resistance. A micro heat flux sensor array may include a substrate, a plurality of first sensors formed on a first side of the substrate, and a plurality of second sensors formed on a second side of the substrate. Each of the plurality of first and second sensors may include a first wiring pattern layer of a first conductive material, a second wiring pattern layer of a second conductive material contacting the first wiring pattern layer, and an insulating layer in contact with the first and second wiring patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-Wook Yoo, Yun-Hyeok Im
  • Patent number: 8100167
    Abstract: A method and a device for detecting an abnormality of a heat exchanger exchanging heat between a first fluid flow flowing in a conduit and a second fluid flow flowing along a flow path, said conduit and said flow path each having an inlet and an outlet, whereby the method comprises the steps of establishing at least one parameter representative of the temperature conditions of the heat exchanger, establishing a second fluid inlet temperature, establishing a parameter indicative of expected heat exchange between the heat exchanger and the second fluid, processing the heat exchanger temperature, the second fluid temperature and the parameter indicative of expected heat exchange for establishing an estimated second fluid outlet temperature, and employing the estimated second fluid outlet temperature for evaluating the heat exchange between the first and second fluids by comparing the estimated second fluid outlet temperature, or a parameter derived therefrom, with a reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Claus Thybo, Christian Bendtsen
  • Publication number: 20120014407
    Abstract: A thermal oxidation tester is shown for determining thermal stability of a fluid, particularly hydrocarbons when subjected to elevated temperatures. The tendency of the heated fluid to oxidize and (1) form deposits on a surface of a heater tube and (2) form solids therein, are both measured at a given flow rate, temperature and time. The measured results are used to determine whether a fluid sample passes or fails the test. At the beginning of each test, the test sample is aerated with dry air until saturation. Simultaneously, the test equipment is primed to remove pockets of air there from. After each test, the test equipment is flushed to remove the test sample there from.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: PETROLEUM ANALYZER COMPANY, LP
    Inventors: David G. Anderson, Larry M. Youngblood, Guoxing Yang, Larry A. Spino, Scott A. Berkhous
  • Publication number: 20120014406
    Abstract: A thermal oxidation tester is shown for determining thermal stability of a fluid, particularly hydrocarbons, when subjected to elevated temperatures. The tendency of the heated fluid to oxidize and (1) form deposits on a surface of a heater tube and (2) form solids therein which are both measured at a given flow rate, temperature and time. The measured results are used to determine whether a fluid sample passes or fails the test. Specifically constructed containers used in a thermal oxidation tester are shown. These containers (1) reduce physical contact to hydrocarbon test fuels, (2) reduce exposure to hydrocarbon fuel vapors, (3) reduce environmental impact by reducing chemical spills, and (4) improve overall work flow of test.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: PETROLEUM ANALYZER COMPANY, LP
    Inventors: Larry M. Youngblood, David G. Anderson, Guoxing Yang, Scott K. Berkhous, Larry A. Spino
  • Publication number: 20120014404
    Abstract: A thermal oxidation tester is shown for determining thermal stability of a fluid, particularly hydrocarbons when subjected to elevated temperatures. The tendency of the heated fluid to oxidize and (1) form deposits on a surface of a heater tube and (2) form solids therein, are both measured at a given flow rate, temperature and time. The measured results are used to determine whether a fluid sample passes or fails the test. Results of measurements are recorded in a memory device on one end of the heater tube on which the deposits were made.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: PETROLEUM ANALYZER COMPANY, LP
    Inventors: Guoxing Yang, David G. Anderson, Larry M. Youngblood, Fang Fang, Sean E. Rick, Larry A. Spino, Scott K. Berkhous
  • Publication number: 20120014405
    Abstract: A thermal oxidation tester is shown for determining thermal stability of a fluid, particularly hydrocarbons when subjected to elevated temperatures. The tendency of the heated fluid to oxidize and (1) form deposits on a surface of a heater tube and (2) form solids therein, are both measured at a given flow rate, temperature and time. The measured results are used to determine whether a fluid sample passes or fails the test. Sample flow rate is important in the jet fuel thermal oxidation test. Current practice requires manual drop counting or flow confirmation with the use of volumetric glassware. An apparatus is described to precisely measure the flow rate and automatically perform flow rate check using a drip rate method and/or volumetric method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: PETROLEUM ANALYZER COMPANY, LP
    Inventors: David G. Anderson, Larry M. Youngblood, Guoxing Yang, Larry A. Spino, Scott K. Berkhous, Fang Fang
  • Publication number: 20120014408
    Abstract: A thermal oxidation tester is shown for determining thermal stability of a fluid, particularly hydrocarbons when subjected to elevated temperatures. The tendency of the heated fluid to oxidize and (1) form deposits on a surface of a heater tube and (2) form solids therein, are both measured at a given flow rate, temperature and time. The measured results are used to determine whether a fluid sample passes or fails the test. Results of measurements can be recorded in a memory device on one end of the heater tube on which the deposits were made. A method and apparatus is also provided to determine if the isolated heater tube has an electrical short to ground through the test section housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: PETROLEUM ANALYZER COMPANY, LP
    Inventors: David G. Anderson, Guoxing Yang
  • Publication number: 20120014409
    Abstract: A thermal oxidation tester is shown for determining thermal stability of a fluid, particularly hydrocarbons when subjected to elevated temperatures. The tendency of the heated fluid to oxidize and (1) form deposits on a surface of a heater tube and (2) form solids therein, are both measured at a given flow rate, temperature and time. The measured results are used to determine whether a fluid sample passes or fails the test. Results of the measurements are recorded. The fluid under test is pumped with a low volume, high pressure, single piston pump with only a small fluctuation (pulsation) in output flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: PETROLEUM ANALZYER COMPANY, LP
    Inventors: Larry M. Youngblood, David G. Anderson, Guoxing Yang
  • Patent number: 8096705
    Abstract: A method of estimating temperature of a transient nature of a thermal system, including, without a temperature measurement being made available, determining a drive current and thermal parameters of the thermal system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sri M. Sri-Jayantha, Hien P. Dang, Arun Sharma
  • Patent number: 8083399
    Abstract: A method for fabricating thermal effect standards includes providing an oven, placing at least one temperature sensor at measurement location in the oven, operating the oven, monitoring a temperature output of the at least one temperature sensor, providing at least one composite material specimen, placing the at least one composite material specimen at the measurement location in the oven and heat treating the at least one composite material specimen as at least one thermal effect standard by operating the oven according to the temperature output of the at least one temperature sensor. A method of determining a physical property of a composite material is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Greg Werner, Paul Shelley, Paul Vahey, Wes Quigley
  • Patent number: 8075180
    Abstract: A method for predicting the drop impact resistance of a stretch-blow molded polypropylene container which comprises the steps of measuring the initial size of the container, placing it in an oven, remeasuring its size after removing it from the oven, calculating the percentage difference in size of the container and determining its drop impact resistance, which is proportional to said difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Total Petrochemicals Research Feluy
    Inventor: Fabienne Radermacher
  • Patent number: 8066429
    Abstract: A thermal measurement apparatus and method for performing heat flux differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is disclosed. A variable thermal resistor is used to couple a measurement assembly to a heat sink in the thermal measurement apparatus, such that samples can be rapidly heated and rapidly cooled. The apparatus can be configured with a highly conductive sample assembly enclosure. The enclosure can include a high emissivity coating. In one embodiment, the enclosure extends along a longitudinal direction that is about the same as that of an infrared lamp assembly used to heat the enclosure, thereby increasing the efficiency of heating the sample enclosure. In one configuration, the variable thermal resistor comprises a gap whose gas composition can be varied during a sample measurement to independently optimize sample heating and cooling rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. Danley
  • Patent number: 8047708
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for the measurement of heat flow from at least one sample. The device 1 is adapted to receive a multi well vessel assembly (2) with samples in one or several vessels (21, 22, . . . 2n). The device (1) comprises an opening (11) for insertion of the vessel assembly (2) into the device (1), a measurement chamber (12) with a heat sink (13), a channel (14) extending from the opening (11) to the measurement chamber (12). The present invention specifically teaches that the opening (11) and channel (14) leads horizontally into the device (1), and that the height of the opening (11), channel (14) and measurement chamber (12) is only high enough to receive the vessel assembly (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Symcel Sverige AB
    Inventors: Dan Hallén, Ingemar Wadsö