Abstract: An outside air temperature (OAT) diagnostic system includes an ambient temperature monitoring module that receives (i) an OAT signal from an OAT sensor and (ii) an intake air temperature (IAT) signal from an IAT sensor of an engine. The ambient temperature monitoring module compares the OAT signal to an IAT signal and generates a first difference signal. A performance reporting module determines whether the OAT sensor is exhibiting a fault and generates an OAT performance signal based on the first difference signal.

Abstract: The present invention, in one aspect, provides a method for calibrating thermal control elements in situ using a single compound calibrator. In some embodiments, the present invention uses a compound calibrator to calibrate thermal control elements on a microfluidic device. In non-limiting embodiment, the compound calibrator can be a droplet, plug, slug, segment or continuous flow of any appropriate solution that, when heated, yields a thermal response profile with a plurality of features (e.g., maxima, minima, inflection points, linear regions, etc.).

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the calibration of a thermometer in situ, wherein the apparatus has a temperature sensor (S) for determining a temperature (T); wherein a reference element (K) is provided for calibrating the temperature sensor (S); wherein the reference element (K) at least partially comprises a ferroelectric material (D), which experiences a phase transformation at least one predetermined temperature (TPh) in a temperature range relevant for calibrating the temperature sensor (S).

Abstract: In a method for diagnosing a faulty thermostat in a coolant circuit, in particular for an internal combustion engine, having a fan, the faulty thermostat is detected as a function of a measured temperature and a setpoint temperature, the fan being turned on at least temporarily during the diagnosis.

Abstract: An optical measurement instrument includes one or more temperature sensors (122) arranged to measure sample well specific temperatures from sample wells (111-117) arranged to store samples (103-109) to be optically measured. A processing device (121) of the optical measurement instrument is arranged to correct, using a pre-determined mathematical rule, measurement results obtained by the optical measurements on the basis of the measured sample well specific temperatures. Hence, the adverse effect caused by temperature differences between different samples on the accuracy of the temperature correction of the measurement results is mitigated.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for testing the accuracy and the reliability of a thermal unit of a thermal cycler or of an enclosure of a PCR thermal cycler thermally controlled by pulsed air, said thermal unit and enclosure thermally controlled by pulsed air comprising a plurality of locations for reaction mixture tubes, said method comprising the following steps: a) arranging a set of temperature-measuring sensors in locations for reaction mixture tubes selected in said thermal unit and enclosure thermally controlled by pulsed air, said temperature-measuring sensors comprising: (i) a reaction tube suited to the type of thermal unit tested, (ii) a selected volume of liquid at least partially filling said reaction tube, (iii) a thermal probe at least partially submerged in said liquid, and (iv) at least one means for linking said thermal probe to a means for receiving a signal generated by said thermal probe, ?said locations in which said temperature-measuring sensors are arranged being distri

Abstract: A system and method is presented for a multi-sensor component for an HVAC system. The multi-sensor component comprises a sensor assembly, having one or more detectors, comprising a plurality of temperature detectors operable to measure a temperature of an object or a medium, a presence detector operable to detect the presence of the object or medium, and a pressure detector operable to measure a pressure of the medium. The multi-sensor component also comprises a sensor monitor operably coupled to the detectors of the sensor assembly and configured to use a detection algorithm operable to detect one or more of the temperature, pressure and presence of the object or medium, the sensor monitor configured to verify a health of the one or more detectors of the sensor assembly, and also comprises a sensor housing or thermo-well or combination thereof having the sensor assembly and the sensor monitor affixed therein.

Abstract: A temperature sensor is provided. The temperature sensor includes: a temperature sensing unit for sensing a temperature and outputting a temperature sensing signal; an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), coupled to the temperature sensing unit, for converting the temperature sensing signal to a digital value, having an ADC output range; a calibration unit, coupled to the ADC, for correlating the ADC output range with at least one temperature range; a memory unit, coupled to the calibration unit, recording the ADC output range, and the at least one temperature range, and the correlation therebetween.

Abstract: Biochemical assay apparatus uses a container with a sleeve of electrically-conductive material (300) to heat it. The heating is done inside a chamber and a contactless heat sensor (110) such as a thermopile or a bolometer, also inside the chamber, is used to monitor the temperature of the electrically conductive material (300). There are many factors that distort the output of the heat sensor (110), particularly as the temperature rises and properties such as emissivity change, or as time goes by and tarnishing and dust affect the heat sensor output. Because the sleeve has low thermal mass and heat transfer only has to happen over short distances, it is relatively easy to calculate a change in actual temperature of the electrically conductive material (300) when subjected to a known pulse of drive current and this property can be used to calibrate the performance of the heat sensor (110) in situ in the chamber.

Abstract: Circuitry is disclosed for the calibration of heating element and ambient temperature sensors, comprising: a) an amplifier having positive and negative inputs, and an output; b) one or more heating MOS transistors selectably coupled in parallel and having 1) a heating transistor drain coupled to the positive input of the amplifier; 2) a heating transistor source configured to receive a supply voltage; and 3) a heating transistor gate coupled to the amplifier output; c) one or more ambient MOS transistors selectably coupled in parallel and having 1) an ambient transistor drain, 2) an ambient transistor gate coupled to the amplifier output; and 3) an ambient transistor source configured to receive the supply voltage; d) a temperature difference resistance configured: 1) to be coupled at least partially between an ambient connection and the ambient transistor drain; and 2) to be coupled at least partially between the ambient connection and the negative input of the amplifier.

Abstract: A diverse and redundant resistance temperature detector (“D&R RTD”) is provided. The D&R RTD is utilized in obtaining temperature readings in environments, such as fluids and gasses, by measuring electrical characteristics of the D&R RTD that are influenced by the temperature. Furthermore, the D&R RTD's are arranged such that a plurality of measurements can be obtained, which provides sufficient diversity and redundancy of the measurements for enhanced diagnostics to be performed, such as optimization for fast dynamic response, calibration stability, in-situ response time testability, and in-situ calibration testability.

Abstract: This method for calibrating an electronic chip comprises: the placing of a calibration transducer of a chip to be calibrated in contact (144) 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 (154, 156) of the chip to be calibrated on the basis of the measured variations ?T1 and ?Tc.

Abstract: A sensor (10; 34) for measuring and/or detecting a fouling that forms on one surface of the sensor, includes the following: —a substrate (22) that is used for heat insulation, —at least one heating element (16; 36; 58; 78) arranged on one side on the substrate that is able to diffuse, on command, a homogenous, monitored heat flow from the side opposite the substrate, —a single temperature measuring element (18; 38; 56; 80) with dimensions that are smaller than those of the at least one heating element and positioned above and at the center of the latter, on the side opposite the substrate, in order to be in the most homogeneous part of the heat flow.

Abstract: A zero-heat-flux DTT measurement device is constituted of a flexible substrate supporting an electrical circuit including a heater trace defining a heater, thermal sensors, and a thermal sensor calibration circuit.

Abstract: An automatic auto-correcting method is presented to improve the accuracy of fiber optic distributed temperature measurements derived from Raman back scatterings utilizing two light sources with different wavelengths, by appropriate choice of the wavelengths of the two sources, the use of single pulse modulating circuit for the two light sources, and use of one of the light sources as a primary measurement system and the second light source as an occasional correcting source.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a superheat sensor (5) for a refrigeration system is provided. The method comprises the following steps. Increasing an amount of liquid refrigerant in the evaporator (1), e.g. by increasing an opening degree of the expansion valve (3). Monitoring one or more parameters, e.g. the temperature of refrigerant leaving the evaporator (1), said parameters reflecting a superheat value of the refrigerant. Allowing the value of each of the parameter(s) to decrease. When the value(s) of the monitored parameter(s) reaches a substantially constant level, defining the superheat value corresponding to the constant level to be SH=0. The superheat sensor (5) is then calibrated in accordance with the defined SH=0 level. When the parameter(s) reaches the substantially constant level it is an indication that liquid refrigerant is allowed to pass through the evaporator (1), and thereby that the superheat of the refrigerant leaving the evaporator (1) is zero.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating the temperature sensed upon contact with a surface. The method includes contactless heating of the surface, contactless measurement of a time change in temperature of the surface, and estimation of the temperature sensed upon contact with the surface on the basis of this time change in temperature.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling a drywell including a receiver having upper and lower ends with the lower end being more insulated than the upper and having a temperature sensor in thermal contact therewith. Upper and lower heaters are in thermal contact with the upper and lower ends respectively. A controller includes an integrated circuit having a temperature sensor. A reading from the integrated circuit is used to control power to the upper heater and reduce a temperature gradient between the upper and lower ends of the receiver.

Abstract: Some embodiments include apparatus and methods having a first switch, a second switch, and a circuit coupled to the first and second switches. The first switch may be configured to switch between an on-state and an off-state based on a value of a first current flowing through a number of resistors and a diode coupled in series with the resistors. The second switch may be configured to switch between the on-state and the off-state based on a value of a second current on a circuit path. The second current is a function of a voltage at a node between two of the resistors and a resistance of the circuit path. The circuit may be configured to provide a temperature reading based on the number of times the first switch or the second switch switches between the on-state and the off-state during a time interval.

Abstract: Temperature-indicting system including a mechanical temperature-indicating system including a bourdon tube for directly driving an indicating pointer, and an electrical temperature-indicating system including an electronic sensor, a transmitter and one or more electrical switches. The transmitter is modular and easily replaceable. Output of the pointer and the transmitter is synchronized relative to accuracy so that comparison of switch points of the switches that correlate temperature determined by the mechanical system and temperature determined by the electronic system enables detection of a failure or inaccuracy in one or both systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a calibration circuit, computer program product, and method of calibrating a junction temperature measurement of a semiconductor element, wherein respective forward voltages at junctions of the semiconductor element and a reference temperature sensor are measured, and an absolute ambient temperature is determined by using the reference temperature sensor, and the junction temperature of the semiconductor element is predicted based on the absolute ambient temperature and the measured forward voltages.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for diagnosis of a flowmeter are disclosed. The method includes thermally coupling a first sensor unit of the flowmeter to a fluid and thermally coupling a second sensor unit of the flowmeter to the fluid. The method also includes actively heating or cooling the first sensor unit by applying power to the first sensor unit such that its temperature is different from the temperature of the fluid, and simultaneously actively heating or cooling the second sensor unit by applying power to the second sensor unit such that its temperature is different from the temperature of the fluid, and typically from the temperature of the first sensor.

Abstract: A method for on-orbit calibration of the temperature sensors of a blackbody is disclosed. The method may include selecting a blackbody traveling in a micro-gravity environment and comprising a sensor, a container positioned proximate the sensor and containing a material, and a heat transfer device positioned proximate the at least one container. The heat transfer device may transition the material through a phase change. The temperature sensor may monitor the temperature of the material during the phase change. Additionally, the state of the material may be measured by displacement of the container to improve the accuracy of the plateau temperature measurement. A correction may be calculated to correct any disparity between the temperature reported by the temperature sensor during the phase change and the known plateau temperature, measured at a threshold state of the material, corresponding to that phase change.

Abstract: A method and a system for determining the rotor temperature of an electric motor of a hybrid vehicle. In a method for determining the rotor temperature of an electric motor of a hybrid vehicle in which it is possible to reliably determine the rotor temperature using simple means, the rotor temperature of the electric motor being ascertained by measuring an operating parameter of the electric motor during operation of the hybrid vehicle.

Abstract: A self-calibrating, wide-range temperature sensor includes a current reference, impervious to process and voltage, with the current reference mirrored into two oppositely-sized bipolar transistors or diodes. Duplicate current sources are used with a ratio of geometries between them, such that the larger current biases the smaller bipolar transistor (less cross-sectional area) and the smaller current source biases the larger bipolar transistor (higher cross-sectional area). The current source in conjunction with the differential temperature sensing provides inherent calibration without drift while the differential sensing, from the ratio of geometries in the current paths also increases sensitivity.

Abstract: A rationality diagnosis method and a rationality diagnosis apparatus for a sensor inside a tank are provided. The rationality diagnosis method and the rationality diagnosis apparatus can accurately and easily perform a diagnosis to determine whether rationality of all sensors is maintained. The rationality diagnosis method for the sensor inside the tank performs a rationality diagnosis of a concentration sensor, a liquid level sensor and a temperature sensor that are provided inside the tank that stores liquid. The rationality diagnosis method is characterized by diagnosing whether the rationality is lost in one of the concentration sensor, the liquid level sensor and the temperature sensor by determining whether there exists any contradiction between respective sensor values of the concentration sensor, the liquid level sensor and the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a position sensor in an automotive transmission having a transmission housing having mounted therein a casing (10) for the position sensor which includes a pressure member (14) movably supported in the casing (10), and an electrical displacement sensor (38) actuated by the pressure member (14) for measuring the position of the pressure member (14) relative to the casing (10), such that, after the casing (10) of the position sensor has been mounted in the transmission housing, the displacement sensor (38) is used for performing at least one calibration measurement for at least one gear position, and, for each gear position to be detected, a tolerance range for the corresponding measurement value of the displacement sensor is defined on the basis of the result of the calibration measurement.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a physical property as a function of position. A data series including data point from one or more channels is obtained by frequency modulation continuous wave. A number of data points correspond to Nda different values of frequency of modulation. One or more processing steps are performed including at least part of said primary data series to obtain at least one secondary data series comprising N (N>Nda) data points from the values of frequency of modulation. The secondary data series from frequency domain is transformed to obtain at least one back scattering curve in space domain, and optionally the back scattering curve(s) to one or more physical properties as a function of position.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for automatically calibrating a temperature sensor. More specifically, there is provided a system including a temperature sensor that includes a first resistance configured to indicate a temperature of the temperature sensor and a second resistance, in series with the first resistor, wherein the second resistance is adjustable to calibrate the first resistance, and a calibration circuit, coupled to the temperature sensor and configured to automatically calibrate the first resistance.

Abstract: Fluid temperature control and sensor calibration is disclosed. In an embodiment, a fluid temperature control unit includes a heater configured to heat a first fluid in a first fluid path, a first temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the first fluid in the first fluid path, a second temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of a second fluid in a second fluid path, and a controller configured to control the heater on the basis of the temperature sensed by the first sensor and the temperature sensed by the second sensor.

Abstract: A system for measuring temperature includes a thermowell, a primary temperature sensor, a reference sensor, and a transmitter. The thermowell has a measurement instrument connection and a side port. The primary temperature sensor extends into the thermowell through the measurement instrument connection, and the reference sensor extends into the thermowell through the side port. The transmitter is connected to each of the primary temperature sensor and the reference sensor. The transmitter has circuitry for measuring temperature based upon signals received from the primary temperature sensor and for concurrently calibrating based upon signals received from the reference sensor.

Abstract: Wafer temperature is measured as a function of time following removal of a heat source to which the wafer is exposed. During the wafer temperature measurements, a gas is supplied at a substantially constant pressure at an interface between the wafer and a chuck upon which the wafer is supported. A chuck thermal characterization parameter value corresponding to the applied gas pressure is determined from the measured wafer temperature as a function of time. Wafer temperatures are measured for a number of applied gas pressures to generate a set of chuck thermal characterization parameter values as a function of gas pressure. A thermal calibration curve for the chuck is generated from the set of measured chuck thermal characterization parameter values and the corresponding gas pressures. The thermal calibration curve for the chuck can be used to tune the gas pressure to obtain a particular wafer temperature during a fabrication process.

Abstract: Methods and systems accurately determine an analyte concentration in a fluid sample. In an example embodiment, a receiving port receives a test sensor. The test sensor includes a fluid-receiving area for receiving a fluid sample. The fluid-receiving area contains a reagent that produces a measurable reaction with an analyte in the fluid sample. The test sensor has a test-sensor temperature and the reagent has a reagent temperature. A measurement system measures the reaction between the reagent and the analyte. A temperature-measuring system measures the test sensor temperature when the test sensor is received into the receiving port. A concentration of the analyte in the fluid sample is determined according to the measurement of the reaction and the measurement of the test sensor temperature. A diagnostic system determines an accuracy of the temperature-measuring system. The calculation of the analyte concentration may be adjusted according to the accuracy of temperature-measuring system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for calibrating a pyrometer, a method for determining the temperature of a semiconducting wafer and a system for determining the temperature of a semiconducting wafer. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for calibrating a pyrometer which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for calibrating and using resistance temperature detectors. In one embodiment, the system includes a calibration circuit comprising a resistance temperature detector in a bridge circuit with at least one potentiometer, and a programmable gain amplifier coupled to the bridge circuit. Embodiments of the invention further comprise methods for calibrating the bridge circuit and the programmable gain amplifier for use with the resistance temperature detector and methods for determining the self heating voltage of the bridge circuit.

Abstract: A tip assembly for an IR thermometer apparatus includes a heat sink having a heat sink cavity and a tip section and a fluid path and at least one hydraulic port. The tip assembly also includes an IR sensor mechanically seated in the tip section and thermally coupled to the heat sink. The tip assembly also includes an electrical connector configured to provide an electrical connection to the tip assembly. A fluid having a fluid temperature is introduced into the fluid path via the hydraulic port. The fluid causes the heat sink and the IR sensor to substantially reach one or more pre-determined temperatures by thermal conduction during calibration of the tip assembly. Another tip assembly having an internal heat source is described. Another tip assembly having an internal heat pump is described. A method to calibrate a tip assembly is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with automatic testing equipment for testing infrared sensors on integrated circuits is provided. The apparatus includes an infrared source, a heat mass, and an electronic frequency modulator. The infrared source is modulated according to a predetermined test frequency such that the infrared source emits an infrared test signal representative of a test temperature and corresponding to the temperature of the heat mass and the predetermined test frequency. A signal processor, electrically coupled to an integrated circuit having an infrared sensor, receives a sensed signal from the infrared sensor in response to the infrared test signal and uses the sensed signal according to the predetermined test frequency to determine a measured temperature.

Abstract: A temperature monitoring technique for collecting radiation intensity (blackbody emission) across a broad wavelength range. A solid state spectrometer (26) acquires spectra from a sample (10) in real time and resolves the spectra to a radiation intensity (I) versus wavelength (?) curve. This curve is fitted to Planck's equation using a non-linear least squares fitting analysis. The system can be configured to self-calibrate and then lock in an amplitude value (A) which is used in subsequent temperature measurements by fitting to the blackbody emission curve. Preferably, the spectrometer (26) is flat field corrected (36) in an initial step to counteract variations in the spectrometer response with wavelength.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting faults in temperature sensors on engine systems provided with equipment for treatment of combustion products of an exhaust effluent stream during engine operation include determining sensor faults from differences in temperature between sensors present in such systems over time. Estimated exhaust gas temperatures may be compared against real time temperature measurements to arrive at a diagnostic residual value representing the difference between a modeled value and measured value, and deviation of the measured value from the modeled value is used to indicate a sensor fault.

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.

Abstract: A testing device for testing thermal detectors includes a hollow sleeve, open on at least one end, configured to receive a thermal detector. The hollow sleeve can have a length greater than a diameter. A heater is positioned is in proximity to the hollow sleeve, and is configured to provide heat for testing the thermal detector. The heater can be a flexible foil heater. A power source is provided to supply power to the heater. A power control module can be provided for variably adjusting a set point temperature or a rate of temperature rise for the heater.

Abstract: Until the accuracy in calculation of an estimated oil temperature value which is calculated by means of a heat dissipation amount map reaches a predetermined level, an ECU determines, when a transmission oil temperature well exceeds a predetermined temperature after the engine start, whether or not an oil temperature sensor fails. When it is determined that the oil temperature sensor is normal, the ECU uses the detected oil temperature value to learn about the heat dissipation map. When the accuracy in calculation of the estimated oil temperature value reaches the predetermined level through the learning about the heat dissipation amount map, the ECU determines whether or not the oil temperature sensor fails based on the divergence of the detected oil temperature value relative to the estimated oil temperature value.

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.

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.

Abstract: A method for testing a measuring device is used to determine a permittivity of a frying fat which permittivity is inter alia dependent on the temperature, while taking into consideration the temperature. The method is characterized in that the permittivity is measured at least two different temperatures and the temperature dependence is determined and is used to make a statement on the ability to function of the measuring device.

Abstract: An analog thermometer calibration apparatus may comprise a substantially flat piece of steel or other suitably rigid material having at least one hexagonal or appropriately non-circular shaped aperture or opening formed designed to be at least generally complimentary in size and shape to the calibration adjustment member or projection of an analog type thermometer such that the two may engage in a substantially complimentary manner that will permit rotation of the thermometer readout dial and to prevent the relative rotation of the base or lower portion of the analog thermometer connected to a temperature sensing stem probe during the rotation of the analog thermometer dial face during a calibration procedure. A round or other suitably shaped aperture opening may be included to accommodate support and passage of the temperature sensing probe of a more accurate digital type thermometer (or a recently calibrated thermometer of any type) in order to provide a calibration reference temperature reading.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a contact temperature sensor to be used at a temperature of use, including a) supplying a carbon fiber; b) heat treating of the fiber at a temperature higher than 800° C. and higher than the temperature of use; c) full layer depositing on the fiber, at a deposition temperature, an electrically insulating ceramic coating layer stable at the temperature of use, the ceramic material chosen among silica (SiO2), zirconia (ZrO2), and alumina (Al2O3); d) heat treating of the fiber, coated with the coating layer, at a temperature higher than the deposition temperature of the coating layer and higher than the temperature of use, or (c?) full layer depositing on the fiber a first coating layer of silicon carbide; d?) full layer depositing the first coating layer a second coating layer of boron nitride; e?) heat treating the fiber thereby obtained at a temperature above the deposition temperatures and the temperature of use of the sensor.

Abstract: A calibration apparatus for temperature probes comprising an elongate calibration chamber (1) with an opening (2) for receiving an insert (3) that has passages (4) for receiving temperature probes (6), and wherein the chamber (1) has several heat energy elements (9-11) that are controlled by temperature probes (12-14). In the insert as such one or more external probes (7) are provided, each of which has one or more temperature sensors to the effect that at least two sensors (19, 20 or 15, 17) are provided at respective dissimilar distances to an end of the insert (3). The latter sensors are connected to electronic regulation (20, 23) and measurement units (21, 24) for regulating the supply of power to the heat energy elements.

Abstract: Infrared IR thermometer calibration systems and methods are disclosed in which the temperature of an IR thermometer calibration system is controlled such that radiation emitted by a target at a given input temperature is equal to the radiation emitted by a graybody heated to the input temperature and having an emissivity equal to an emissivity setting of an IR thermometer to be calibrated using the IR thermometer calibration system.