Abstract: A method of determining energy performance of a film component is disclosed.

Abstract: A non-destructive system for characterizing welds that includes at least one weldment that further includes at least two components joined together a weld; at least one source of heat energy directed toward one side of the weldment, wherein the source of heat energy is operative to direct a predetermined amount of heat energy through the first component toward one side of the weld, through the weld and the area surrounding the weld, and through the second component to the opposite side of the weldment, and wherein the heat energy is sufficient to induce a temperature change in the weld and the area surrounding the weld; and a temperature measuring device directed toward the opposite side of the weldment for gathering temperature data from heat passing through the second component away from the weld and the area surrounding the weld, wherein the gathered temperature data is indicative of weld quality.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to the determination of one or more mechanical characteristics of a structural element are generally described. In some embodiments, a mechanical characteristic (e.g., a crack, a deformation, an inclusion, etc.) can be determined based at least in part upon the determination of a temperature generated, for example, by passing a current through a network of structures within the structural element. For example, in some embodiments, the structural element can comprise a network of electrically conductive nanostructures and, in some cases, a primary structural material that is not substantially electrically conductive. An electrical current can be passed through the network of electrically conductive nanostructures (e.g., by passing current through an electrical circuit comprising the network of electrically conductive nanostructures). This may result in resistive heating (also known as Joule-effect heating) of the nanostructure network.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tempering apparatus for tempering a sample comprising: at least one tempering block configured for receiving at least one sample, at least one tempering device arranged for tempering the tempering block, at least one temperature measurement device assigned to the tempering device, at least one control loop to which the tempering device and temperature measurement device are assigned to, at least one control device configured for control of the tempering of the tempering block, wherein the tempering apparatus comprises at least two temperature measurement devices assigned to the control loop, and that to the tempering apparatus a testing device for performing a test method is assigned to, wherein the testing device comprises a signal-connection to at least one of the at least two temperature measurement devices, such that at least one testing quantity of the tempering apparatus is detectable, which characterizes the operational status of the tempering apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the temperature of small volumes such as yoctoliter volumes, are described. The systems include one or more plasmonic nanostructures attached at or near a nanopore. Upon excitation of the plasmonic nanostructures, such as for example by exposure to laser light, the nanoparticles are rapidly heated thereby causing a change in the ionic conductance along the nanopore. The temperature change is determined from the ionic conductance. These temperature changes can be used to control rapid thermodynamic changes in molecular analytes as they interact with the nanopore.

Abstract: Circuitry and method for detecting occurrence of a reflow process to an embedded storage device are disclosed. A temperature sensing device includes a resistor, a temperature sensor, and a comparator. The first terminal of the resistor is coupled to a voltage source, and the second terminal of the resistor is coupled to both the first terminal of the temperature sensor and the first input of the comparator. The second terminal of the temperature sensor is grounded and the second input of the comparator is coupled to a reference voltage. The resistance state of the temperature sensor changes from a first resistance state to a second resistance state when the temperature surrounding the temperature sensor reaches a threshold. The comparator generates an output based on the resistance changes of the temperature sensor. The generated output may indicate whether a reflow process has occurred to the embedded storage device.

Abstract: An environmental chamber system and a method for testing a device under test (DUT) include an environmental chamber in which the DUT can be tested. A temperature sensor senses temperature of the DUT, the temperature sensor generating a signal indicative of temperature of the DUT. A controller receives at least one input signal related to at least one of temperature and humidity in the chamber and the signal indicative of temperature of the DUT and provides at least one control signal for adjusting at least one of temperature and humidity in the chamber, such that the temperature of the DUT is not below a dew point of an environment in the chamber in a region of the chamber near the DUT, such that condensation in the environment in the chamber in the region near the DUT does not occur.

Abstract: A testing system tests or calibrates an electronic test subject while rotating the test subject within a thermally controlled chamber. The testing system includes a stationary thermal chamber, a test subject, testing electronics that receive electronic data from the test subject, and a rotating platform inside the thermal chamber to which both the test subject and the testing electronics are mounted. The testing system further includes a platform cover for the rotatable platform that rotates with the rotatable platform, and exposes the test subject to the temperature inside the thermal chamber and insulates the testing electronics from the temperature inside the thermal chamber.

Abstract: The polarization-maintaining fiber of the invention includes a core (1) made of germanium doped silica glass; a stress-applying part (3) made of boron doped silica glass; a cladding (2) made of pure silica glass; and a polyimide coating layer (4) with a thickness of 10 ?m or less that surrounds the outer periphery of the cladding (2).

Abstract: A bias signal is applied to a resistive thermal sensor located proximate a magnetic media reading surface of a magnetic sensor. The bias signal is modulated between first and second bias levels. First and second resistances of the resistive thermal sensor corresponding to the first and second bias levels are measured. Based a difference between the first and second resistances caused by in increase in thermal conductivity between the magnetic sensor and a medium as the magnetic head gets closer to the medium, at least one of a spacing and a contact between the magnetic sensor and the medium are determined.

Abstract: An energy harvesting survey apparatus includes a main body having a first end positioned proximate to a machine configured to produce thermal energy and a second end positioned a predefined distance from the first end. At least one first sensor is coupled to the first end and is configured to detect a temperature of a surface of the machine. At least one second sensor is coupled to the second end and is configured to detect a temperature of ambient air substantially surrounding the machine. A circuit is coupled to the first and second sensors, and is configured to generate at least one output representative of an expected power output of a thermoelectric generator coupled to the machine based at least in part on the detected machine surface temperature and the detected ambient air temperature. A display device is coupled to the circuit and is configured to display the output.

Abstract: A multi-purpose, cylindrical thermal insulation test apparatus is used for testing insulation materials and systems of materials using a liquid boil-off calorimeter system for absolute measurement of the effective thermal conductivity (k-value) and heat flux of a specimen material at a fixed environmental condition (cold-side temperature, warm-side temperature, vacuum pressure level, and residual gas composition). The apparatus includes an inner vessel for receiving a liquid with a normal boiling point below ambient temperature, such as liquid nitrogen, enclosed within a vacuum chamber. A cold mass assembly, including the upper and lower guard chambers and a middle test vessel, is suspended from a lid of the vacuum canister. Each of the three chambers is filled and vented through a single feedthrough. All fluid and instrumentation feedthroughs are mounted and suspended from a top domed lid to allow easy removal of the cold mass.

Abstract: A method for measuring a contacting thermal resistance of one-dimensional structures is provided. A first one-dimensional structure and A second one-dimensional structure are crossed and in contact with each other to form a suspended junction. A point P of the first one-dimensional structure is heated until the first one-dimensional structure and the second one-dimensional structure reach a thermal equilibrium. A point A and a point B are selected on the first one-dimensional structure and a point C and a point D are selected on the second one-dimensional structure, wherein the point B, the point A, the suspended junction, the point C and the point D are arranged equidistantly with a distance ?x. A temperature difference ?Tj is calculated by the formula ?Tj=?TAC??TBA??TCD. The heat flux Qj is calculated by the formula Qj=2k?TCD/?x. The contacting thermal resistance Rj is calculated by the formula Rj=?Tj/Qj.

Abstract: Provided are thermo-sensitive and light-sensitive polymer compositions including poly(4-vinyl pyridine) and poly(4-vinyl pyridine-co-butyl methacrylate).

Abstract: A method of detecting a thermocouple short circuit in a medical device, including obtaining a first temperature measurement from a thermocouple of the medical device; obtaining a second temperature measurement from the thermocouple; calculating a rate of change over time between the first and second temperature measurements; comparing the calculated rate of change over time to a predefined rate of change over time threshold; and generating an indication of a thermocouple short circuit based at least in part on the comparison.

Abstract: A sensing system is configured to detect physical parameters of a fluid sample. In particular, the sensing system is configured to detect the dew point of the fluid by reducing temperature of a sensing medium and detecting the fluid condensate on a sensing surface by directing light from a light source to the sensing surface and detecting the light reflected off the sensing surface onto a light detector. The light source and the light detector are on the opposite side of the sensing medium from the sensing surface.

Abstract: An environmental chamber system and a method for testing a device under test (DUT) include an environmental chamber in which the DUT can be tested. A temperature sensor senses temperature of the DUT, the temperature sensor generating a signal indicative of temperature of the DUT. A controller receives at least one input signal related to at least one of temperature and humidity in the chamber and the signal indicative of temperature of the DUT and provides at least one control signal for adjusting at least one of temperature and humidity in the chamber, such that the temperature of the DUT is not below a dew point of an environment in the chamber in a region of the chamber near the DUT, such that condensation in the environment in the chamber in the region near the DUT does not occur.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a contact detection device (100) for detecting a contact between the contact detection device (100) and an object (800), a method (400), a diagnostic device and further to a computer program. The invention seeks to improve the reliability of contact sensors. The contact detection device (100) comprises a heater (110) for providing a modulated heat flow (112). A modulated heat signal (122) is generated in dependence of the modulated heat flow (112). A physical contact with an object (800) causes a change in the modulated heat flow (112) that effects the modulated heat signal (122). As the heat flow is modulated, a change in the modulated heat signal (122) is quasi assured. A contact determination unit (130) of the contact detection device (100) derives a contact indication signal (132) indicating at least either the presence or the absence of the physical contact in from the modulated heat (122), preferentially by means of a demodulator (134).

Abstract: A system for monitoring parameters of an energy storage system having a multiplicity of individual energy storage cells. A radio frequency identification and sensor unit is connected to each of the individual energy storage cells. The radio frequency identification and sensor unit operates to sense the parameter of each individual energy storage cell and provides radio frequency transmission of the parameters of each individual energy storage cell. A management system monitors the radio frequency transmissions from the radio frequency identification and sensor units for monitoring the parameters of the energy storage system.

Abstract: This invention refers to a fuel composition identification system and method (2) for an automotive vehicle combustion engine.

Abstract: A conductive fluid detection apparatus for detecting moisture mixed into a coolant comprises: a filter unit having a tubular member through which a coolant can flow, mesh members made of stainless steel etc. and filter paper through which the coolant can pass, but which can hold moisture, the mesh members and the filter paper provided and stacked inside the tubular member, the filter paper interposed between the mesh members; a resistance value measurement circuit measuring the resistance value between mesh members; and a relay stopping the supply of power to the pump when the resistance value between the mesh members falls.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring waterbed environment are described. The method may comprise determining a first temperature at a location within the water column of a surface body of water that is representative of the upper thermal boundary condition between surface water and pore water environments, and determining at least a second temperature at the location at a first depth below a waterbed surface. The first and second temperatures are then used to monitor a waterbed environment. Certain embodiments are particularly useful for monitoring spatiotemporal variations of riverbed surface elevations, such as scour and deposition, over a time period. Probe/sensor assemblies are disclosed for practicing the method.

Abstract: A method for optimizing direct wafer bond line width for reduction of parasitic capacitance in a MEMS device by reducing the width of a bond line between a first and a second wafer, exposing the MEMS device to a water vapor for a predetermined time period and at a first temperature capable of evaporating water, cooling the MEMS device at a second temperature capable of freezing the water, and operating the MEMS device at a third temperature capable of freezing the water to determine if there is discontinuity during operation.

Abstract: A system and method for the preparation of food, but without the requirement of weight, time and/or temperature probe usage to determine the point at which the food has completed preparation. The exemplary embodiments provide a process where the food can be cooked without the requirements of calculation or temperature probes. The described process allows the process operator to be informed when the cooking process has completed, without regard to the size, shape, weight, density, or amount of materials to be prepared. The energy required to maintain the temperature of a water bath is compared to the energy required to maintain the temperature once a food item has been placed within the water bath.

Abstract: Testing devices and methods for detecting defects in block filters using temperature differences created by a fluid flow are provided. The testing is relatively fast, inexpensive, and non-destructive, which may allow for testing a relatively large sampling of filters, and possibly all filters produced in a manufacturing process. In one embodiment, the device includes a fluid drive system adapted to create a fluid flow through the filter media. A thermal imaging system is configured to take a thermal image of the filter media. A portion of the filter media without a defect may have a different temperature than a portion of the filter media with a defect. In this manner, a temperature difference detected by the thermal imaging system may indicate that the filter media has a defect. The device may include a fixture for supporting the filter, and may allow for manual or automatic rotation of the filter.

Abstract: A method for determining the oxygen concentration of a sample made of a semiconductor material includes a heat treatment step of the sample to form thermal donors, the measurement of the resistivity in an area of the sample, the determination of the thermal donor concentration from a relation expressing the charge carrier mobility according to an ionized dopant impurity concentration, by adding to the dopant impurity concentration four times the thermal donor concentration, and from the measured resistivity value. The method finally includes determining the oxygen concentration from the thermal donor concentration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and arrangement for measuring at least one physical magnitude, such as temperature, flow or pressure of the cooling fluid flowing in an individual cooling element cycle (3) of a cooling element (1) in a metallurgical furnace. The arrangement includes a supply header (2) for distributing the cooling fluid and for feeding it to the cooling element cycles (3) of the cooling elements (1), and a collection header (4) for collecting and receiving cooling fluid from the cooling element cycles (3) of the cooling elements (1). The arrangement includes a survey line (5) that is by intermediation of a valve arrangement (6) in fluid connection with at least one cooling element cycle (3), so that the cooling fluid is conducted alternatively through the survey line (5) to the collection header (4) or past the survey line (5) to the collection header (4).

Abstract: Methods for deriving an indication of truth or deception are disclosed. Some methods include (a) monitoring the activation of a plurality of regions of a subject's brain, while the subject responds to questions and (b) measuring one or more physiological parameters while the subject responds to questions and combining the results of (a) and (b) to form a composite evaluation indicative of truth or deception in the subject's response. Another method further includes (c) measuring one or more behavioral components while the subject responds to questions and then combining the results of (a), (b), and (c) to form a composite evaluation indicative of truth or deception in the subject's response. Methods for scoring, weighting, and combining the measurements for (a), (b), and (c), and combinations thereof, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of detecting an omission to fill an automobile differential housing with fluid in the course of an assembly procedure is carried out using an infrared sensor to read differential housing temperature. The camera produces an electrical signal that is processed to provide an indication as to whether or not the differential housing has been properly filled. An infrared sensing camera is the preferred thermal detector.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method, systems and devices for the detection of carbon nanotubes in biological samples by providing a sample suspected of having one or more carbon nanotubes; irradiating the sample with a microwave radiation, wherein the carbon nanotubes absorb the microwave radiation; and detecting and measuring the one or more thermal emissions from the carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A method for detecting a degree of blockage of an exhaust duct includes detecting the temperature of air in an intake and exhaust system, calculating a rate of change of the detected temperature, and determining a degree of blockage of the exhaust duct based on the detected temperature and the rate of change of the detected temperature.

Abstract: The invention exposes rock fragments of a material to electromagnetic radiation, such as microwave radiation, and detects the thermal response of the material of the rock fragments during or immediately after exposure to detect a mineral within the material.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one measured variable. The apparatus includes: at least one measuring unit; and at least one securement unit for holding the measuring unit in contact with an object. The securement unit is embodied in such a manner, that the securement unit has at least two stable shape states, wherein, for transition between the at least two states, application of a mechanical force to the securement unit is required.

Abstract: A temperature detector has: an infrared sensor located so as not to be in contact with a measured object; an infrared transmission filter which is located between the infrared sensor and the measured object so as to block the infrared sensor from the measured object, and through which infrared rays emitted from the measured object pass; and a distance changer for changing a distance between the measured object and the infrared transmission filter, wherein the infrared sensor is provided so as to detect the infrared rays, which have passed through the infrared transmission filter, to detect a temperature of the measured object even when the distance is changed by the distance changer.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of and an arrangement for determining the heating condition of a mirror in an optical system, in particular in a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus. In an embodiment the mirror is an EUV mirror and a method according to the invention comprises the following steps: deflecting at least one input measuring beam on to the mirror; ascertaining at least one optical parameter of at least one output measuring beam produced from the input measuring beam after interaction with the mirror; and determining the heating condition of the mirror on the basis of the parameter.

Abstract: In a hydrocarbyl gas the presence and amount of a condensable polar component may be detected by voltage or current excursions over background noise as measured using a probe having at least two common electrodes and optionally a third electrode preferably inert to corrosion.

Abstract: An ice detection system, in particular to a system for detecting icing conditions and a system for detecting the presence of ice formed on a structure, and the methods for doing the same. Two heaters of the ice protection system (experiencing substantially the same environmental conditions) are driven to different temperatures (the first greater than or equal to 0° C., and the second less than 0° C.). The difference in the powers required to drive the two heaters indicates the prevailing environmental conditions. A heater of the ice protection system is driven and the rate of change of surface temperature is measured over several periods. A substantial deviation from a rate of change of surface temperature, which indicates the presence of ice on the surface of the structure, is detected.

Abstract: Infrared detection is used to monitor the temperature within a vapor transport deposition processing chamber. Changes in temperature that occur when a substrate passes an infrared detector are detected and used to precisely locate a position of the substrate within the chamber. Position correction of the substrate can also be implemented.

Abstract: Disposable, pre-sterilized, and pre-calibrated, pre-validated conductivity sensors are provided. These sensors are designed to store sensor-specific information, such as calibration and production information, in a non-volatile memory chip on the sensor on in a barcode printed on the sensor. The sensors are calibrated using 0.100 molar potassium chloride (KCl) solutions at 25 degrees Celsius. These sensors may be utilize with in-line systems, closed fluid circuits, bioprocessing systems, or systems which require an aseptic environment while avoiding or reducing cleaning procedures and quality assurance variances.

Abstract: A probe for temperature measurement uses interference of a low-coherence light beam. The probe includes a temperature acquiring member configured to be brought into contact with a surface of a temperature measurement target and thermally assimilate with the temperature measurement target; a light irradiating/receiving unit configured to irradiate a measurement light beam as a low-coherence light beam to the temperature acquiring member and receive reflected light beams from a front surface and a rear surface of the temperature acquiring member; and a housing configured to define a distance between the temperature acquiring member and the light irradiating/receiving unit to a preset length and isolate optical paths of the measurement light beam and the two reflected light beams from an atmosphere in which the temperature measurement target is placed.

Abstract: A test specimen having a to-be-photographed surface and an attachment surface which is a back side thereof is produced, and attached to a structure. An artificial abnormal portion is provided between a to-be-inspected surface of the structure and the to-be-photographed surface of the test specimen. The to-be-photographed surface of the test specimen is photographed by the infrared camera. When a surface temperature difference between the abnormal and the sound portions increases to a certain level on the to-be-photographed surface, it is capable of discriminating between the abnormal and the sound portions by an infrared thermal image of the test specimen. In a time zone in which discriminating between the abnormal and the sound portions is capable, the to-be-inspected surface of the structure is photographed by the infrared camera. If there is a damage in the surface layer of the structure, a damaged position can be discriminated by an infrared thermal image.

Abstract: A system and method for determining whether a resistor in a battery circuit on an electric vehicle cannot be used as a resistive heater for heating a cooling fluid for cooling the vehicle battery, but can used as a pre-charge resistor for starting the vehicle. A temperature sensor is provided proximate the resistor within the cooling fluid. The method turns on the resistor before turning on a coolant pump and samples the temperature at sample intervals over a predetermined period of time. The method then calculates an integral or differential of the sampled temperatures and compares that value with a calibrated threshold. If the temperature value is not greater than the threshold, meaning that the temperature indicates no cooling fluid is present, the algorithm disables the resistor for heating purposes, but maintains operation of the resistor for pre-charge purposes.

Abstract: In part, the invention relates to methods, systems, and devices that use thermal transients to diagnose wear or other damage in a document such as a banknote. In one embodiment, the invention performs various steps including applying a transient heating or cooling stimulus to the document, wherein the document includes a substrate and a plurality of elements thermally dissimilar to the substrate; detecting a differential thermal emission signature for the substrate and each thermally dissimilar element using a sensor; and determining a wear status of the document based on the detected differential thermal emission signatures.

Abstract: A wireless power transfer foreign object detector having, at least one secondary receiver coil, an adjustable load electrically coupled to the at least one secondary receiver coil, and at least one temperature sensor providing at least one temperature detection signal, wherein the at least one temperature sensor responsive to at least one thermal state of the at least one secondary receiver coil, and wherein foreign object detection is based at least in part upon the at least one temperature detection signal.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a power source, a motor, and a computing device. The power source provides electrical energy to the motor, and the motor generates rotational motion from the electrical energy received. The computing device is configured to estimate a temperature of the motor in real time based at least in part on a thermal model of the motor. The thermal model includes a plurality of nodes and at least one thermal resistance. Each node represents a region of the motor and each thermal resistance represents a heat transfer path between at least two of the nodes. A method includes solving one or more energy balance equations to determine a temperature change at each node and estimating the temperature of the motor in real time based at least in part on the temperature change at each node and at least one of the thermal resistances in the thermal model.

Abstract: An approach for the thermomechanical characterization of phase transitions in polymeric materials (polyethyleneterephthalate) by band excitation acoustic force microscopy is developed. This methodology allows the independent measurement of resonance frequency, Q factor, and oscillation amplitude of a tip-surface contact area as a function of tip temperature, from which the thermal evolution of tip-surface spring constant and mechanical dissipation can be extracted. A heating protocol maintained a constant tip-surface contact area and constant contact force, thereby allowing for reproducible measurements and quantitative extraction of material properties including temperature dependence of indentation-based elastic and loss moduli.

Abstract: A method of controlling the temperature of a probe in materials testing apparatus, and apparatus operating by that method are disclosed. The apparatus includes heating elements that can by supplied with energy to apply heat to the probe. The method has a heating phase. In the heating phase, closed-loop temperature control is used to supply energy to the heating elements to heat the probe to a target temperature. When the probe has reached the target temperature, the average power that is being supplied to the heating elements is determined. Then, in a temperature maintenance phase, a continuous constant source of energy at a power that is substantially equal to the determined average power is supplied to the heating elements to maintain the probe at the target temperature.

Abstract: A device for detecting a presence of a foreign object in an inductively coupled power transfer environment, including: a primary unit having a primary coil; a secondary unit having a secondary coil, which is adapted to receive power inductively from the primary coil; a sheet of thermal conductive material adapted to be placed between the primary unit and the secondary unit; at least one temperature sensor to sense the temperature of the sheet; and a control arrangement to control the supply of power to the secondary unit based on a temperature of the sheet measured by the temperature sensors.

Abstract: A microstructured sensor for detecting IR radiation includes: one measuring channel having a measuring diaphragm, on which a first sensitive detector surface is implemented for the absorption of a first IR radiation; and one reference channel having a reference diaphragm, on which a second sensitive detector surface is implemented for the absorption of a second IR radiation. A measuring structure, e.g., a thermopile measuring structure as a series circuit made of thermocouple pairs, is implemented between the measuring diaphragm and the reference diaphragm for measuring a temperature differential between the measuring diaphragm and the reference diaphragm. First and second thermal contacts lie alternately on the two diaphragms.

Abstract: Two vertically offset thermistors for sensing a fluid such as oil and refrigerant in a compressor shell are monitored by a method that takes into account rapidly changing conditions within the shell. The system can determine the fluid's sump temperature, high/low liquid levels, and can determine whether the thermistors are sensing the fluid as a liquid, gas, or a mixture of the two, such as a foam or mist of liquid and gas. For greater accuracy, thermistor readings can be dithered and filtered to provide temperature or voltage values having more significant digits than the readings originally processed through a limited-bit A/D converter. For faster response, limited microprocessor time is conserved by sampling thermistor readings at strategic periods that enable the microprocessor to identify certain conditions and temperatures via simple delta-temperature ratios and undemanding equations rather than resorting to exponential functions or lookup tables to determine time constants.