Testing Or Calibrating Of Thermometers (epo) Patents (Class 374/E15.001)
  • Patent number: 11960130
    Abstract: A system for stabilizing optical parameters of a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) includes a mechanical mount, a heating element coupled to the mechanical mount, and a base plate coupled to the heating element. The base plate comprises a longitudinal groove. The system also includes a fiber anchor coupled to the mechanical mount and a fiber including the FBG mechanically attached to the fiber anchor. The FBG of the fiber is disposed in the longitudinal groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: RAM Photonics Industrial, LLC
    Inventor: John R. Marciante
  • Patent number: 11592353
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the performance of a multi-stranded tensile member where a portion of the strands are concealed within a termination. The invention provides a monitoring system that allows the user to determine when one or more of the strands has degraded to a point of concern. In some embodiments the monitoring system depends on visual inspection and in other embodiments the monitoring system is automated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Inventor: Richard V. Campbell
  • Patent number: 11491877
    Abstract: A protection circuit of an in-vehicle battery has a detection unit that detects at least the temperature of the in-vehicle battery, and a control unit that controls a first relay and a second relay. The control unit performs a first switching control when either the temperature or the output current of the in-vehicle battery detected by the detection unit is in a first abnormality range in a case where the first relay is on and the second relay is off, and performs a second switching control when the temperature of the in-vehicle battery detected by the detection unit is within the first abnormality range or within the second abnormality range after the first switching control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignees: AutoNetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinichiro Sato
  • Patent number: 11435733
    Abstract: There may be provided a method for validating a monitoring system, the method may include sensing, by at least one sensing element of the monitoring system, a physical parameter; sending sensed information that is related to the physical parameter to a remote computerized system of the monitoring system; applying, by the remote computerized system, a process on the sensed information to provide a response to the sensed information; generating validation information by a generator of the monitoring system; sending the validation information to the remote computerized system; applying, by the remote computerized system, the process on the validation information to provide a response to the validation information; and determining, by a validator of the monitoring system, a validity of the monitoring system based on the response to the validation result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: CartaSense Ltd.
    Inventors: Shlomo Berkovitch, Yaron Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 10719091
    Abstract: A method for use in temperature control includes a step of associating a first setting of an adjustable device with a first temperature. The method may include a step of associating a second setting of the adjustable device with a second temperature. The method may include a step of determining a set-point temperature from a set-point setting of the adjustable device, the first and second settings of the adjustable device, and the first and second temperatures. The first and second temperatures may define a temperature range over which temperature is to be controlled. Such a method may allow a user to select or define a temperature range over which an object, system or environment is to be controlled from within a maximum operating temperature range of a temperature sensor. Such a method may allow a user to select or define a set-point temperature from within the selected temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Intellistat Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert Johnson
  • Patent number: 10132192
    Abstract: A method of determining a faulty sensor of a sensor array of a gas turbine engine, the sensor array including at least first, second and third sensors, the method including the steps of: measuring a first set of sensor outputs prior to engine startup from each sensor, and calculating a first difference in the measured value for each sensor pair; after a period of time, measuring a second set of sensor outputs prior to engine startup from each sensor, and calculating a second difference in measured value for each sensor pair; calculating a further difference between the calculated first and second differences for each sensor pair; and identifying a failed sensor where two or more sensor pairs including a common sensor have a further difference above a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: David P Scothern
  • Patent number: 9851698
    Abstract: A process variable transmitter provides an output representing a process variable. The process variable transmitter includes a process variable sensor that provides an analog sensor signal representing a process variable, an analog to digital converter that receives the analog sensor signal from the process variable sensor and converts it to digital sensor signal values, and a compensation processor. The compensation processor calculates, in a first mode, a compensated process variable value at a first slow rate. The compensation processor calculates a compensation factor relating the compensated process variable value to an initial digital sensor signal value. The compensation processor calculates, in a second mode, a process variable estimate as a function of an updated digital sensor signal value and the compensation factor. The process variable estimate is calculated at a second rate faster than the slow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Systems USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter E. Allstrom, Jeff Stewart
  • Patent number: 9823276
    Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a process device comprising a process variable sensor configured to generate an output signal indicative of a sensed process variable; loop current output circuitry configured to control a loop current on a two wire process control loop to a value based on the output signal; loop current measurement circuitry coupled to the process control loop and configured to generate a measured loop current value based on the loop current; and loop current verification circuitry configured to approximate the loop current value based on the output signal and properties of a low pass filter, and generate a diagnostic signal based on a comparison of the approximated loop current value and the measured loop current value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Valentin G. Varnak, Pavel P. Schmidt, Leonid I. Belov
  • Patent number: 9279731
    Abstract: A method of using a thermocouple is provided. The method includes, but is not limited to, disposing at least one temperature sensor at each of two or more respective portions of an electrical connector adapted to receive thermocouple signals, measuring temperatures at the two or more portions, and calculating the temperatures at each terminal of the electrical connector based on measured temperature values of the two or more respective portions having the disposed temperature sensors. The method also includes, but is not limited to, calculating a cold junction temperature of a terminal for at least one thermocouple channel carrying the thermocouple signals based on measured or calculated temperature values of the terminals, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Fred Dennis Egley, John Distinti, Peter Norton, Andrea Wang
  • Patent number: 8721172
    Abstract: A method for calibrating an electronic chip comprises: the placing of a calibration transducer of a chip to be calibrated in contact with a first element and the measurement of a corresponding temperature variation ?Tc with this calibration transducer, the calibration thermal transducer having thermal characteristics different from those of the normal transducer so as to measure a temperature variation ?Tc that is different from a variation ?T1 measured by the normal transducer, and the calibration of the chip to be calibrated on the basis of the measured variations ?T1 and ?Tc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Mainguet, Alain Chambron, Guy-Michel Parat
  • Patent number: 8686666
    Abstract: A control system is disclosed for determining an actual temperature of a light emitting diode. The control system uses conductor that supply power to the light emitting diode to supply a pulse to the light emitting diode. The pulse is determined along with a reaction caused by the pulse and the information gained is used in determination of the light emitting diode die temperature which can then be used in controlling current to the light emitting diode to control the temperature of the light emitting diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: TerraLUX, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Catalano, Daniel Harrison
  • Publication number: 20130343421
    Abstract: An engine air system for charge flow temperature estimation includes a charge air cooler outlet temperature sensor configured to provide a first temperature signal, an exhaust gas recirculation outlet temperature sensor configured to provide a second temperature signal, and a control module configured to receive the first temperature signal and the second temperature signal. The control module includes a charge flow temperature estimation module configured to determine an the estimated charge flow temperature at an intake manifold temperature sensing position based on a combination of the first temperature signal multiplied by an estimated fresh air fraction and the second temperature signal multiplied by an exhaust gas recirculation fraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Ognyan N. Yanakiev, Charles E. Solbrig, Ryle Maxson
  • Publication number: 20130294475
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for verifying temperature measurements in an ultrasonic flow meter. In one embodiment, an ultrasonic flow metering system includes a passage for fluid flow, a temperature sensor, and an ultrasonic flow meter. The temperature sensor is disposed to measure temperature of fluid flowing in the passage. The ultrasonic flow meter includes a plurality of pairs of ultrasonic transducers and control electronics. Each pair of transducers is configured to form a chordal path across the passage between the transducers. The control electronics are coupled to the ultrasonic transducers. The control electronics are configured to measure speed of sound between each pair of transducers based on ultrasonic signals passing between the transducers of the pair. The control electronics are also configured to determine, based on the measured speeds of sound, whether a measured temperature value provided by the temperature sensor accurately represents temperature of the fluid flowing in the passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: DANIEL MEASUREMENT AND CONTROL, INC.
    Inventors: Charles W. DERR, Henry C. Straub, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130223472
    Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate calibrated temperature measurements are discussed. Such a system can include a target object that changes temperature, a test infrared (IR) temperature sensor that can make a first set of measurements of the temperature of the target object over a period of time, and a standard IR temperature sensor that can make a second set of measurements of the temperature of the target object over the period of time. Additionally, the system can include a calibration unit that compares the first set of measurements with the second set of measurements and determines an accuracy of the test IR temperature sensor based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: CVG MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Robert A. Maston
  • Publication number: 20130202008
    Abstract: A monitoring circuit for an integrated circuit comprises a non-temperature-inverted circuit and a temperature-inverted circuit. Operating parameters of the two circuits are measured, representing the propagation speed of signals in the respective circuits. In response to a change in temperature, the non-temperature-inverted circuit slows down and the temperature-inverted circuit speeds up. In contrast, in response to a change in operating voltage both circuits either speed up or slow down. This divergence in response to temperature and similar response to voltage enables the monitoring circuit to distinguish between changes in operating voltage and changes in operating temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: ARM LIMITED
    Inventors: James Edward MYERS, David Walter Flynn, Bal S. Sandhu
  • Publication number: 20130163633
    Abstract: A thermocouple welding test apparatus for testing whether a thermocouple is normally welded includes a first comparison circuit, a second comparison circuit, a switch circuit and an indication circuit. The first comparison circuit receives a first DC voltage from the thermocouple, and compares the first DC voltage with a first reference voltage to output a first control signal. The second comparison circuit receives a second DC voltage from the thermocouple, and compares the second DC voltage with a second reference voltage to output a second control signal. The switch circuit receives the first control signal and the second control signal, and outputs an indication signal accordingly. The indication circuit receives the indication signal, and indicates whether the thermocouple is normally welded accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (WUHAN) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: DAN LIU, SHU-QI WU, LI-PING FAN, YU-LIN LIU
  • Publication number: 20130121366
    Abstract: A method of measuring conditions of an ultrasonic instrument includes providing an ultrasonic instrument that includes an end effector and a waveguide operably coupled to a generator and the end effector. The method involves generating one or more pulses with the generator, transmitting the one or more pulses to one or both of the waveguide and the end effector, generating one or more waves that scatter in an interferential pattern in response to the transmission of the one or more pulses, registering a signal indicative of the interferential pattern, generating an actual interferential pattern based upon the signal, and identifying one or more conditions of the end effector based upon the actual interferential pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: TYCO Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: IGORIS MISUCHENKO, GEORGY MARTSINOVSKIY
  • Publication number: 20130107905
    Abstract: A calibrated airflow sensor and monitoring method are provided. The monitoring method which includes: providing an airflow sensor positioned within an electronic system to be at least partially air-cooled, the airflow sensor including at least one temperature sensor and a heater associated with one temperature sensor of the at least one temperature sensor; calibrating, with the airflow sensor positioned within the electronic system, a duty cycle for use in powering the heater associated with the one temperature sensor; and providing a controller configured to use the calibrated duty cycle in powering the heater of the temperature sensor during airflow monitoring of the electronic system, and to obtain a hot temperature (Thot) reading from the one temperature sensor having the associated heater, and to determine, based at least in part on the hot temperature (Thot) reading, whether to issue an airflow warning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Levi A. CAMPBELL, Thomas C. LONG, Robert B. SCHLAK, Peter A. WENDLING
  • Publication number: 20130078609
    Abstract: A processing apparatus includes a carrier receiving region configured to receive a sample carrier with at least one channel that carries at least one sample. The apparatus further includes a thermal control device configured to thermal cycle the sample carrier when the sample carrier is installed in the carrier receiving region, thereby thermal cycling the sample carried therein. The apparatus further includes a thermal control system configured to control the temperature control device based on a predetermined set of target sample temperatures and a temperature map, which maps the predetermined set of target sample temperatures to a set of temperatures of the temperature control device. The set of temperatures of the temperature control device is different from the predetermined set of target sample temperatures, and the set of temperatures of the temperature control device thermal cycle the sample carrier with the temperatures of the predetermined set of target sample temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: ANALOGIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Mark Tverskoy
  • Publication number: 20130076479
    Abstract: An improved calibration machine for calibrating a thermal trip apparatus of a circuit interrupter employs a tool having an elongated shank and a pair of engagement elements. The engagement elements are engageable with a support that carried a bimetal element. The engagement elements can deform the support in opposite directions to either increase or decrease the thermal trip setting of the thermal trip apparatus. If the support is over-deformed in one direction, it can be deformed in an opposite direction to enable a circuit interrupter whose thermal trip apparatus has been deformed beyond a desired target thermal calibration setting to be deformed in an opposite direction to reach the desired target thermal calibration setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: James Gerard Maloney
  • Publication number: 20130076381
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for temperature sensor calibration is disclosed. In one embodiment, an integrated circuit (IC) is tested at a first known temperature corresponding to a first temperature threshold. During the test, a first temperature reading is obtained from a temperature sensor. A first offset is calculated by determining the difference between the first known temperature and the first temperature reading. The first offset is recorded in a storage unit for later use during operation of the IC. During operation, the first offset may be added to temperature readings obtained from a temperature sensing unit to produce an adjusted temperature value. The adjusted temperature value may be compared to one or more temperature thresholds. Based on the comparisons, a power management unit may perform power control actions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: Toshinari Takayanagi, Jung Wook Cho
  • Publication number: 20130070804
    Abstract: A method to estimate ambient air temperature in the vicinity of a vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine equipped with at least an ignition and an electronic control unit (ECU) with memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffery S. Hawkins, Michael C. Salch, Bryant C. Pham, Kurt J. Couture
  • Publication number: 20130070805
    Abstract: An accurate, cost-efficient temperature sensor may be integrated into an integrated circuit (IC) using common materials as the IC's interconnect metallization. The temperature sensor may include an impedance element having a length of metal made of the interconnect metal, a current source connected between a first set of contacts at opposite ends of the impedance element, and an analog-to-digital converter connected between a second set of contacts at opposite ends of the impedance element. The temperature sensor may exploits the proportional relationship between the metal's resistance and temperature to measure ambient temperature. Alternatively, such a temperature sensor may be used on disposable chemical sensors where the impedance element is made of a common metal as conductors that connect a sensor reactant to sensor contacts. In either case, because the impedance element is formed of a common metal as other interconnect, it is expected to incur low manufacturing costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: ANALOG DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael COLN, Alain Valentin GUERY, Lejun HU
  • Patent number: 8388219
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a pyrometer a temperature of a calibration sample is determined from the ratio of a first reflectance and a second reflectance and the pyrometer is calibrated by assigning the determined temperature of the calibration sample with a thermal radiation signal measured by the pyrometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Laytec Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joerg-Thomas Zettler, Tobias Schenk, Steffen Uredat, Jens Zilian, Bernd Henninger, Marcello Binetti, Kolja Haberland
  • Publication number: 20130028286
    Abstract: A method and system for calibrating temperature measurement devices, such as pyrometers, in thermal processing chambers are disclosed. According to the present invention, the system includes a calibrating light source that emits light energy onto a substrate contained in the thermal processing chamber. A light detector then detects the amount of light that is being transmitted through the substrate. The amount of detected light energy is then used to calibrate a temperature measurement device that is used in the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: Mattson Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Mattson Technology, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130028285
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a thermocouple abnormality detection system including: a plurality of thermocouples each including a plurality of thermocouple wires housed in a sheath; a transmission signal conversion unit configured to convert a thermo-electromotive force generated by each of the plurality of the thermocouple wires to a transmission signal and to output the transmission signal; a transmission unit configured to transmit the transmission signal outputted from the transmission signal conversion unit; and an abnormality detection circuit configured to detect an abnormality of each of the plurality of the thermocouples by comparing, with each other, the transmission signals obtained from the plurality of thermocouple wires provided in each of the thermocouples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicants: Toshiba Plant Systems & Services Corporation, Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Masayuki TOBO, Yuma ETO, Mamoru FUKUI, Noboru MOROHOSHI, Shigeru YAMAJI
  • Publication number: 20130022075
    Abstract: A temperature sensor is disclosed as having a resistance thermocouple, accommodated in a sensor housing, for detecting a process temperature. The thermocouple can be connected via a multipole electric line to an electronic temperature transmitter for measured-value conditioning, the resistance thermocouple being equipped for in-situ calibration with a Johnson noise thermometer for determination of a reference temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Detlef PAPE, Gian-Luigi MADONNA, Yannick MARET
  • Patent number: 8358085
    Abstract: A control system is disclosed for determining an actual temperature of a light emitting diode. The control system uses conductor that supply power to the light emitting diode to supply a pulse to the light emitting diode. The pulse is determined along with a reaction caused by the pulse and the information gained is used in determination of the light emitting diode die temperature which can then be used in controlling current to the light emitting diode to control the temperature of the light emitting diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Terralux, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Catalano, Daniel Harrison
  • Publication number: 20130003777
    Abstract: A DTS system resistant to hydrogen induced attenuation losses during the service life of an installation at both low and high temperatures using matched multi-wavelength DTS automatic calibration technology in combination with designed hydrogen tolerant Pure Silica Core (PSC) optical fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Mikko Jaaskelainen, Kent Kalar
  • Publication number: 20120318058
    Abstract: A heat conduction-type sensor corrects (calibrate) effects of a temperature of a measurement target fluid and a type of the fluid on a measurement value in measurement of a flow velocity, a mass flow, or an atmospheric pressure. Also provided is a thermal flow sensor and a thermal barometric sensor with this correcting function, high sensitivity, simple configuration, and low cost. At least two thin films that are thermally separated from a substrate through the same cavity are provided, one thin film comprises a heater and a temperature sensor, and the other thin film comprises at least one temperature sensor, the temperature sensors being thin-film thermocouples. The thin film is arranged in proximity so that it is heated only through the measurement target fluid by heating of the heater. A calibration circuit calculates and compares quantities concerning heat transfer coefficients of a standard fluid and the unknown measurement target fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Mitsuteru Kimura
  • Publication number: 20120307859
    Abstract: An imaging thermographic measuring system to measure the thermal output (Qout) at a target object, such as a building wall, building facade, or the like, comprising a measuring station provided for the arrangement distant from the object with an electric imaging device to record a thermographic thermal image, with a temperature distribution to be allocated thereto, and with a temperature sensor distant from the object to measure a temperature (Tref) distant from the object; at least one thermal transition sensor provided to be arrange close to the object, a transmission arrangement to transmit values between at least one thermal transition sensor and the measuring station, with the thermal transition sensor being embodied to predetermine the test values to determine a thermal transition coefficient (h).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Torsten Gogolla
  • Publication number: 20120294327
    Abstract: Methods and systems for compensating temperature measurements by a temperature gauge comprising a first temperature sensor and a second reference temperature sensor, having different thermal properties, located in the same temperature environment to be measured. The methods and systems compensate for errors in the measured temperatures due to variations in the reference sensor caused by temperature effects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Masahiro Kamata
  • Patent number: 8303174
    Abstract: A temperature sensor plausibility diagnosis unit performs plausibility diagnosis of a temperature sensor disposed inside a storage tank in an exhaust purification apparatus of an internal combustion engine that delivers an additive inside the storage tank to an exhaust pipe upstream of a reduction catalyst and selectively reduces and purifies NOx in the exhaust. The temperature sensor plausibility diagnosis unit includes an additive heat capacity calculating portion that calculates the heat capacity of the additive, a heat quantity variation calculating portion that calculates an increase or decrease in the quantity of heat that the additive receives, and a plausibility diagnosing portion that determines the plausibility of the temperature sensor by comparing an estimated temperature course of the additive estimated from the heat capacity of the additive and the increase or decrease in the quantity of heat with a sensor temperature course of the additive detected by the temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Bosch Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Kasahara
  • Publication number: 20120275485
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cargo deck for a cargo hold of an aircraft, comprising at least one temperature measuring device for non-contacting measurement of the temperature of a container, a pallet or a similar unit load device (ULD).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: Telair International GmbH
    Inventors: Richard Holzner, Benedikt Kieser, Martin Schmidseder, Thomas Huber
  • Publication number: 20120275484
    Abstract: A temperature measuring device which measures a temperature of a heat treatment mechanism in a heat treatment apparatus which heat-treats a substrate with a predetermined temperature using the heat treatment mechanism, includes: a substrate and a Wheatstone bridge circuit which is disposed on the substrate and includes a plurality of temperature-measuring resistors whose resistance is varied depending on a change in temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Masato HAYASHI, Koudai HIGASHI
  • Publication number: 20120269227
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a heater system for heating a surface of a structure, the heater system including a heater element, a temperature sensor proximate the heater element for outputting a signal indicative of the temperature of the heater element, and a controller for controlling the supply of power to the heater element in dependence on the signal to maintain the temperature of the heater element at a first substantially constant temperature. The method comprises: immersing the structure in a fluid for maintaining the surface of the structure at a second substantially constant temperature; supplying an amount of power to the heater element; receiving the signal from the temperature sensor and determining a temperature at the temperature sensor; and determining a setpoint temperature for controlling the heater element in dependence on the signal and the second substantially constant temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: Ian McGregor Stothers
  • Patent number: 8282272
    Abstract: A system and method is disclosed that reliably determines the transmissivity of a substrate. By determining the transmissivity of a calibration substrate, for instance, a temperature measuring device can be calibrated. The method and system are particularly well suited for use in thermal processing chambers that process semiconductor wafers used for forming integrated circuit chips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventors: Roland Schanz, Christoph Merkl, Steffen Müller
  • Publication number: 20120250721
    Abstract: A temperature measurement circuit includes a sensing unit and a temperature translation unit. The sensing unit is arranged for generating a positive temperature coefficient characteristic and a negative temperature coefficient characteristic according to a temperature. The temperature translation unit is coupled to the sensing unit, and is arranged for generating a measured temperature according to the positive temperature coefficient characteristic and the negative temperature coefficient characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Ting-Hao Wang, Jen-Wei Tsai, Tsung-Ping Chou
  • Publication number: 20120250722
    Abstract: A system and method for providing greatly improved linear heat detection using fiber optic distributed temperature systems (DTS). The invention makes use of correction algorithms based on proportional-integral-derivative notions that anticipate exterior temperature increases based on the rate of measured temperature changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: David Barfoot, Mikko Jaaskelainen
  • Publication number: 20120224602
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a thermal sensor includes setting a wafer to a control temperature. The wafer includes the thermal sensor and other chip logic. The method also includes applying power exclusively to a thermal sensor circuit, calibrating the thermal sensor, and storing a calibration result. The method also includes retrieving the calibration result upon application of power to the other chip logic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: James M. CRAFTS, Joseph E. DERY, Timothy M. SKERGAN, Timothy C. TAYLOR
  • Publication number: 20120226460
    Abstract: Temperature sensing circuitry is used for thermal management of an electronic device. The temperature sensing circuitry includes at least one thermistor placed at or near a component of the electronic device. The temperature sensing circuitry also includes a high-precision resistor for calibration purposes. The resistance of the resistor is equivalent to the resistance of the thermistor at a reference temperature. A calibration reading is obtained using a set current that is being passed through the resistor. An error present in the temperature sensing circuitry is determined based on the calibration reading and a design value. A temperature measurement associated with the component is then made using the thermistor, while the set current is being passed through the thermistor. The error is corrected in the temperature measurement of the component. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Hugo Fiennes, Keith Alan Cox
  • Publication number: 20120219033
    Abstract: A temperature detecting apparatus includes an integrated circuit that integrates an overheating detecting circuit, a breakage detecting circuit and a disabling circuit, and an element connection terminal connecting a temperature sensing element. The disabling circuit disables the breakage detecting circuit from detecting a breakage of wire when a voltage at the element connection exceeds a disabling threshold which is set higher than an overheating detection threshold and a breakage detection threshold. A predetermined voltage higher than the disabling threshold is applied to the element connection terminal when the temperature sensing element is not connected to the element connection terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasunari TANIMURA, Shinichiro NAKATA, Tsuneo MAEBARA, Yusuke SHINDO
  • Publication number: 20120201267
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods and apparatus for measuring, calibrating, and controlling substrate temperature during low temperature and high temperature processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventor: KAILASH Kiran PATALAY
  • Publication number: 20120178077
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of one or more amplicons as temperature calibrators. In some embodiments, the calibrators may be used to calibrate the temperature of a microfluidic channel in which amplification and/or melt analysis is performed. In some embodiments, the amplicons may be genomic, ultra conserved elements and/or synthetic. The amplicon(s) may have a known or expected melt temperature(s). The calibrators may be added to primers of study or may follow or lead the primers of study in the channel. The amplicon(s) may be amplified and melted, and the temperature(s) at which the amplicon(s) melted may be determined. The measured temperature(s) may be compared to the known temperature(s) at which the amplicon(s) was expected to melt. The difference(s) between the measured and expected temperatures may be used to calibrate/adjust one or more temperature control elements used to control and/or detect the temperature of the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: CANON U.S. LIFE SCIENCES, INC.
    Inventors: Fernando DeCastro, Renee Howell, Sami Kanderian, Johnathan S. Coursey, Kenton C. Hasson, Scott Sundberg
  • Publication number: 20120170608
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a temperature sensor of a chemical microreactor envisages: determining an airflow along a path in such a way as to cause a thermal exchange between the airflow and a chemical microreactor, which is provided with an on-board temperature sensor and is set along the path; and detecting a temperature in the airflow downstream of the microreactor, in conditions of thermal equilibrium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.
    Inventors: Marco Angelo Bianchessi, Alessandro Cocci
  • Publication number: 20120140789
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a system for verifying calibration of a temperature sensor comprising an above-ambient temperature verifier and a below-ambient temperature verifier. The above-ambient temperature verifier includes a first housing containing an ohmic material. At least one pair of electrodes is provided to direct an applied current through the ohmic material to heat the material. A well is provided within the ohmic material for accepting a temperature sensor. A compression assembly cooperates with the ohmic material to create intimate contact with the temperature sensor. An above-ambient reference temperature monitor maintains a calibrated temperature within the ohmic material. The below-ambient temperature verifier includes a second housing and a below-ambient reference temperature monitor to maintain a calibrated temperature of a below-ambient temperature medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Michael G. Colburn, Stephen J. Bogner, David R. McCloskey, Gavin McCormick
  • Publication number: 20120120981
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring a sensor unit (20) that is arranged in the exhaust gas region of an internal combustion engine (10). According to the invention, a sensor temperature (31, 32) is directly or indirectly determined by the sensor unit (20), and is compared to an exhaust temperature (33) that is determined by a further sensor unit and/or to model variables and/or to defined threshold values, whereby a dismounting and/or an inappropriate mounting of the sensor unit is indicated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Andreas Genssle, Enno Baars, Markus Eitel
  • Publication number: 20120106590
    Abstract: A thermostat diagnostic apparatus is provided with a cooling medium temperature sensor, an engine operating condition sensor and a malfunction diagnosing device. The malfunction diagnosing device is configured to diagnose a stuck-open malfunction of a thermostat provided in a coolant flow passage of an engine installed in a mobile body based on a comparison of a real cooling medium temperature detected by the cooling medium temperature sensor and an estimated cooling medium temperature estimated based on an engine operating condition of the engine detected by the engine operating condition sensor. The malfunction diagnosing device determines that the thermostat is stuck in an open state upon determining that either the estimated cooling medium temperature or the real cooling medium temperature exceeds a prescribed reference value during a period in which an increased heat exchange rate condition of a radiator is satisfied continuously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hideyuki Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20120072157
    Abstract: A user computer device is provided that comprises a temperature sensitive touchscreen having a temperature sensitive user interface comprising multiple thermal energy emitter/detector devices, such as thermocouples. The multiple thermal energy emitter/detector devices are capable both of detecting thermal energy and emitting thermal energy. The temperature sensitive user interface generates thermal patterns that may be transferred to other thermally sensitive electronic devices or that may be used to authenticate the user computer device. The user computer device also can detect and thermally communicate with a thermal energy docking station and, based on thermal recognition, activate applications displayed on the temperature sensitive touchscreen. Further, the user computer device can auto-bias a temperature of the temperature sensitive user interface in order to better assure proper operation of the temperature sensitive user interface in all operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: MOTOROLA MOBILITY, INC.
    Inventors: Rachid M. Alameh, Jiri Slaby, John Henry Krahenbuhl, Martin R. Pais
  • Publication number: 20120061480
    Abstract: A thermostat system is provided that comprises a base thermostat for providing basic thermostat control and a portable information display (PID) unit, or dockable display, that provides an improved user interface. The PID unit can be docked to the base thermostat by being releasably mounted on top of a front portion of the base thermostat. The base thermostat provides control of an environmental control system, allowing the regulation of the temperature in a building. The PID unit may be used when it is mounted to the base thermostat or un-mounted from the base thermostat. The PID unit provides an improved user interface and experience over the base thermostat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: ENERGATE INC.
    Inventors: Jorge DELIGIANNIS, Niraj BHARGAVA