US3822598A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Portable electronic thermometer and method of temperature measurement
Assignee: LA BARGE INC US
•
Filing: 1971-03-23
•
Granted: 1974-07-09
•
Expires: 1991-03-23
Abstract
Abstract An electronic thermometer having a probe for introduction into a region having a temperature to be measured. The probe includes a temperature sensitive impedance element having a heat sensing relationship with the region when the probe is introduced thereinto. Timing means is provided for initiating a predetermined timing interval upon the temperature of the element exceeding a preselected level following introduction of the probe into the region. Circuitry measures the temperature of the element at the completion of the timing interval. A meter provides means for indicating a temperature which is a function of the measured temperature of the element at the completion of the timing interval, the indicated temperature being a substantially accurately extrapolated representation of the actual temperature in the region. As a method of temperature measurement, the invention involves measurement of the impedance of the element at the end of the timing interval and before the temperature of the element reaches the actual temperature in the region. The time required for indicating the actual temperature is thus significantly reduced.
Inventors
- 👤 L Hunter
- 👤 M Hunter
- 👤 B Brothers
- 👤 W Christianson
- 👤 B Stauder
- 👤 C Sitler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 03:54
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01K; G01K7/00; G01K7/42; G01K13/00; G01K13/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 42
Claim 1
Independent Claim
191 words
A probe-type thermometer for accelerated indication of temperatures comprising: a probe for introduction into a region having a temperature which is to be measured, said probe including a temperature sensitive element having a heat sensing relationship with said region when the probe is introduced thereinto; means for initiating a predetermined timing interval in response to the temperature of the element exceeding a preselected level following introduction of the probe into the region; means for measuring the temperature of the element at the completion of the timing interval and before the temperature thereof reaches the actual temperature in the region, said measurement means including an impedance bridge having an output which varies as a continuous function of the temperature of the element; and means for indicating a temperature which is a function of the output of the bridge and thus of the measured temperature of the element at the completion of the timing interval, the indicated temperature being a substantially accurate extrapolation of the temperature in the region and being thereby indicated in substantially less time than required for the temperature of the element to reach the actual temperature in the region.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
191 words
A probe-type thermometer for accelerated indication of temperatures comprising: a probe for introduction into a region having a temperature which is to be measured, said probe including a temperature sensitive element having a heat sensing relationship with said region when the probe is introduced thereinto; means for initiating a predetermined timing interval in response to the temperature of the element exceeding a preselected level following introduction of the probe into the region; means for measuring the temperature of the element at the completion of the timing interval and before the temperature thereof reaches the actual temperature in the region, said measurement means including an impedance bridge having an output which varies as a continuous function of the temperature of the element; and means for indicating a temperature which is a function of the output of the bridge and thus of the measured temperature of the element at the completion of the timing interval, the indicated temperature being a substantially accurate extrapolation of the temperature in the region and being thereby indicated in substantially less time than required for the temperature of the element to reach the actual temperature in the region.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
48 words
A probe-type thermometer as set forth in claim 1 wherein said means for indicating a temperature comprises a meter, said thermometer further comprising means for causing the meter to retain the indicated temperature at the completion of the timing interval whereby the indicated temperature may be accurately observed.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
A probe-type thermometer as set forth in claim 1 further comprising means for signalling completion of the timing interval.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
236 words
A probe-type thermometer for accelerated indication of temperatures comprising: a probe for introduction into a region having a temperature which is to be measured, said probe including a temperature sensitive element having a heat sensing relationship with said region when the probe is introduced thereinto, said element having an impedance which varies as a function of the temperature of the element; means for initiating a predetermined timing interval in response to the temperature of the element exceeding a preselected level following introduction of the probe into the region, said timer means being responsive to a preselected impedance value of the element which corresponds to said preselected temperature level, said timing means being adapted to interrupt and extend the timing period if the temperature of the element transitorily falls below said preselected temperature level; means for measuring the temperature of the element at the completion of the timing interval and before the temperature thereof reaches the actual temperature in the region, said means for measuring the temperature of the element being responsive to said impedance; and means for indicating a temperature which is a function of the measured temperature of the element at the completion of the timing interval, the indicated temperature being a substantially accurate extrapolation of the temperature in the region and being thereby indicated in substantially less time than required for the temperature of the Element to reach the actual temperature in the region.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
236 words
A probe-type thermometer for accelerated indication of temperatures comprising: a probe for introduction into a region having a temperature which is to be measured, said probe including a temperature sensitive element having a heat sensing relationship with said region when the probe is introduced thereinto, said element having an impedance which varies as a function of the temperature of the element; means for initiating a predetermined timing interval in response to the temperature of the element exceeding a preselected level following introduction of the probe into the region, said timer means being responsive to a preselected impedance value of the element which corresponds to said preselected temperature level, said timing means being adapted to interrupt and extend the timing period if the temperature of the element transitorily falls below said preselected temperature level; means for measuring the temperature of the element at the completion of the timing interval and before the temperature thereof reaches the actual temperature in the region, said means for measuring the temperature of the element being responsive to said impedance; and means for indicating a temperature which is a function of the measured temperature of the element at the completion of the timing interval, the indicated temperature being a substantially accurate extrapolation of the temperature in the region and being thereby indicated in substantially less time than required for the temperature of the Element to reach the actual temperature in the region.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
60 words
A probe-type thermometer as set forth in claim 4 further comprising means for initiating an extended mode of temperature measurement following indication of temperature at the completion of said predetermined timing interval, said measurement means being adapted to remeasure the impedance of the element, said means for indicating a temperature providing a further indication of the temperature in the region.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
173 words
A probe-type thermometer for accelerated indication of temperatures comprising: a probe for introduction into a region having a temperature which is to be measured, said probe including a temperature sensitive element having a heat sensing relationship with said region when the probe is introduced thereinto; means for initiating a predetermined timing interval in response to the temperature of the element exceeding a preselected level following introduction of the probe into the region; means for measuring the temperature of the element at the completion of the timing interval and before the temperature thereof reaches the actual temperature in the region; means for indicating a temperature which is a function of the measured temperature of the element at the completion of the timing interval, the indicated temperature being a substantially accurate extrapolation of the temperature in the region and being thereby indicated in substantially less time than required for the temperature of the element to reach the actual temperature in the region; and heater means for maintaining the probe substantially at a preset temperature level.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
173 words
A probe-type thermometer for accelerated indication of temperatures comprising: a probe for introduction into a region having a temperature which is to be measured, said probe including a temperature sensitive element having a heat sensing relationship with said region when the probe is introduced thereinto; means for initiating a predetermined timing interval in response to the temperature of the element exceeding a preselected level following introduction of the probe into the region; means for measuring the temperature of the element at the completion of the timing interval and before the temperature thereof reaches the actual temperature in the region; means for indicating a temperature which is a function of the measured temperature of the element at the completion of the timing interval, the indicated temperature being a substantially accurate extrapolation of the temperature in the region and being thereby indicated in substantially less time than required for the temperature of the element to reach the actual temperature in the region; and heater means for maintaining the probe substantially at a preset temperature level.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
234 words
A probe-type electonic thermometer for accelerated indication of temperatures comprising: a probe for introduction into a region having a temperature which is to be measured, said probe including a temperature sensitive element having an impedance which varies as a function of the temperature thereof, said element having a heat exchange relationship with the region when the probe is introduced thereinto; means for initiating a predetermined timing interval in response to the impedance of the element attaining a preselected level following introduction of the probe into the region; means including an impedance bridge for measuring the impedance of the element at the completion of the timing interval and before the temperature thereof reaches the actual temperature in the region, said bridge having an output which varies as a continuous function of the temperature of the element, said timing interval initiation means including means for detecting balancing of said bridge, the bridge being adapted to be balanced when the impedance of the element reaches said preselected level; and means for indicating a temperature which is a function of the output of the bridge and thus the measured impedance of the element at the completion of the timing interval, the indicated temperature being a substantially accurate extrapolation of the temperature in the region and being thereby indicated in substantially less time than required for the temperature of the element to reach the actual temperature in the region.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
234 words
A probe-type electonic thermometer for accelerated indication of temperatures comprising: a probe for introduction into a region having a temperature which is to be measured, said probe including a temperature sensitive element having an impedance which varies as a function of the temperature thereof, said element having a heat exchange relationship with the region when the probe is introduced thereinto; means for initiating a predetermined timing interval in response to the impedance of the element attaining a preselected level following introduction of the probe into the region; means including an impedance bridge for measuring the impedance of the element at the completion of the timing interval and before the temperature thereof reaches the actual temperature in the region, said bridge having an output which varies as a continuous function of the temperature of the element, said timing interval initiation means including means for detecting balancing of said bridge, the bridge being adapted to be balanced when the impedance of the element reaches said preselected level; and means for indicating a temperature which is a function of the output of the bridge and thus the measured impedance of the element at the completion of the timing interval, the indicated temperature being a substantially accurate extrapolation of the temperature in the region and being thereby indicated in substantially less time than required for the temperature of the element to reach the actual temperature in the region.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
96 words
A probe-type electronic thermometer as set forth in claim 17 which further includes a battery for supplying power to said timing interval initiating means, said thermometer including an enclosure encasing the battery and all the aforesaid means and being interconnected by a flexible cable to said probe, said enclosure further including means for securing said probe relative to said enclosure when not in use, and a switch adapted to be moved to a deactuated position when the probe is secured to said enclosure, said switch when deactuated disconnecting said battery from said timing interval initiating means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
94 words
A probe-type electronic thermometer as set forth in claim 7 wherein said means for initiating a predetermined timing interval comprises: a differential amplifier having a pair of inputs connected in a circuit across said bridge and an output providing a signal indicative of balancing of the bridge; a timer circuit interconnected with the differential amplifier and adapted to initiate a timing interval each time an output signal is produced by the amplifier; and indicator means responsive to operation of the timer circuit and operative to provide indication at the completion of the timing interval.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
81 words
A probe-type electronic thermometer as set forth in claim 9 wherein said timer circuit includes a timing capacitor connected for being charged upon an output signal from said differential amplifier, a unijunction transistor adapted to be triggered for supplying a pulse when said capacitor is charged to a predetermined voltage, and a triggerable semiconductor current switching device adapted for being triggered by the pulse, said indicator means comprising a signal means connected for being energized upon triggering of the switching device.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
66 words
A probe-type electronic thermometer as set forth in claim 9 wherein said timer circuit includes a timing capacitor connected for being charged when an output signal is produced by said differential amplifier, and an operational amplifier connected for providing an output voltage when the capacitor is charged to a predetermined voltage, said indicator means comprising a signal means adapted to be energized by said output voltage.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
117 words
A probe-type electronic thermometer as set forth in claim 7 further comprising: first amplifier means having an input interconnected in a circuit with said bridge and having an output for delivering an output voltage which varies as a function of the impedance of said element; a capacitor connected for being charged to said output voltage; second amplifier means having an input interconnected with the capacitor and having an output interconnected with said meter for causing the meter to indicate a temperature which is proportional to the voltage to which the capacitor is charged, the capacitor tending to cause the temperature indicating means to retain the indicated temperature for a period following the completion of the timing interval.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
157 words
A probe-type thermometer comprising: a temperature probe including an elongate quill a portion of which is adapted to be introduced into a region for measuring a temperature therein, said quill portion including a first temperature sensitive element adapted to have a relative good heat exchange relationship with the region when the quill is introduced thereinto, the quill having a second temperature sensitive element spaced from the first element and responsive to the temperature of the quill but having a relatively poor heat exchange relationship with the region when the quill is introduced thereinto; temperature measuring means interconnected with said elements and responsive jointly thereto for providing a temperature measurement which is a function of the temperatures thereof when the probe is introduced into the region; and means responsive to operation of said measuring means for indicating the measured temperature in the region whereby accuracy of the indicated temperature is substantially unaffected by variations of the quill temperature.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
157 words
A probe-type thermometer comprising: a temperature probe including an elongate quill a portion of which is adapted to be introduced into a region for measuring a temperature therein, said quill portion including a first temperature sensitive element adapted to have a relative good heat exchange relationship with the region when the quill is introduced thereinto, the quill having a second temperature sensitive element spaced from the first element and responsive to the temperature of the quill but having a relatively poor heat exchange relationship with the region when the quill is introduced thereinto; temperature measuring means interconnected with said elements and responsive jointly thereto for providing a temperature measurement which is a function of the temperatures thereof when the probe is introduced into the region; and means responsive to operation of said measuring means for indicating the measured temperature in the region whereby accuracy of the indicated temperature is substantially unaffected by variations of the quill temperature.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
66 words
A probe-type thermometer as set forth in claim 13 wherein said first element has an impedance which varies as a function, having a first algebraic sense, of the temperature thereof, and said second element has an impedance which varies as a function, having an opposite algebraic sense, of the temperature thereof; and wherein said temperature measuring means is responsive jointly to the impedances of said elements.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
38 words
A probe-type thermometer as set forth in claim 14 wherein said first element is a thermistor having a negative temperature coefficient of resistivity and said second element is a silicon resistor having a positive temperature coefficient of resistivity.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
31 words
A probe-type thermometer as set forth in claim 14 wherein said temperature measurinG means comprises an impedance bridge and said elements are connected in at least one arm of the bridge.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
24 words
A probe-type thermometer as set forth in claim 16 wherein said elements are connected in a series circuit in one arm of the bridge.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
30 words
A probe-type thermometer as set forth in claim 13 wherein said quill includes a handle portion from which the quill extends, said second element being located in the handle portion.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
45 words
A probe-type thermometer as set forth in claim 17 wherein said quill portion adapted to be introduced into the region includes a tip portion including said first element and said handle portion includes a chamber and means for supporting said second element in the chamber.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
64 words
A probe-type thermometer as set forth in claim 19 wherein said second element includes a pair of leads, said supporting means including a pair of terminals to which said leads are secured for positioning of said second element in spaced relation to the walls of the chamber and to the terminals whereby said second element is maintained substantially at the temperature within the chamber.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
245 words
The method of measuring temperature in a region by means of a temperature sensitive impedance element which is part of a temperature probe and is influenced by variations in the temperature of the probe caused by factors outside the region in a manner tending to cause error in the indicated temperature, said method comprising: introducing the element into the region; initiating a predetermined timing interval in response to the temperature of the element exceeding a preselected level following the introduction of the element into the region; measuring the impedance of the element at the end of said timing interval, but before the temperature thereof reaches the actual temperature in the region; indicating a temperature which is a function of the measured temperature of the sensing element at the end of said timing interval, the indicated temperature being an extrapolation of the measured temperature of the sensing element at the end of said timing interval and representing the actual temperature in the region and whereby the indicated temperature is indicated in substantially less time than required for the temperature of the element to reach the actual temperature in the region; associating a further temperature sensitive element with the probe; measuring the temperature of the probe by measuring the impedance of the further element; and causing the indicated temperature to be also a function of the measured temperature of the probe whereby the indicated temperature is a highly accurate representation of the actual temperature in the region.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
245 words
The method of measuring temperature in a region by means of a temperature sensitive impedance element which is part of a temperature probe and is influenced by variations in the temperature of the probe caused by factors outside the region in a manner tending to cause error in the indicated temperature, said method comprising: introducing the element into the region; initiating a predetermined timing interval in response to the temperature of the element exceeding a preselected level following the introduction of the element into the region; measuring the impedance of the element at the end of said timing interval, but before the temperature thereof reaches the actual temperature in the region; indicating a temperature which is a function of the measured temperature of the sensing element at the end of said timing interval, the indicated temperature being an extrapolation of the measured temperature of the sensing element at the end of said timing interval and representing the actual temperature in the region and whereby the indicated temperature is indicated in substantially less time than required for the temperature of the element to reach the actual temperature in the region; associating a further temperature sensitive element with the probe; measuring the temperature of the probe by measuring the impedance of the further element; and causing the indicated temperature to be also a function of the measured temperature of the probe whereby the indicated temperature is a highly accurate representation of the actual temperature in the region.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of measuring temperature as set forth in claim 21 further comprising retaining the indicated temperature for a period following indication thereof.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
77 words
The method of measuring temperature as set forth in claim 21 further comprising: initiating a second predetermined timing interval at the end of the first said timing interval; remeasuring the impedance of the element at the end of the second timing interval; and indicating a temperature which is a function of the remeasured temperature of the element at the end of the second timing interval to provide a verified representation of the actual temperature in the region.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
218 words
A probe-type thermometer for accelerated indication of temperature comprising: a probe for introduction into a region having a temperature which is to be measured, said probe including an elongate quill having a portion including a first temperature sensitive impedance element having a heat sensing relationship with said region when the probe is introduced thereinto; a heater element associated with the quill; means for energizing the heater element to maintain the probe substantially at a preset temperature level; a second temperature sensitive impedance element spaced from the first said impedance element and adapted to Be responsive to variations in the temperature of said quill, said energizing means being responsive to variations in the impedance of said second impedance element for maintaining said quill relatively precisely at said present temperature level; means for initiating a predetermined timing interval following introduction of the probe into the region; means for measuring the temperature of the element at the completion of the timing interval; and means for indicating a temperature which is a function of the measured temperature of the element at the completion of the timing interval, the indicated temperature being a substantially accurate extrapolation of the temperature in the region and being thereby indicated in substantially less time than required for the element to reach the actual temperature in the region.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
218 words
A probe-type thermometer for accelerated indication of temperature comprising: a probe for introduction into a region having a temperature which is to be measured, said probe including an elongate quill having a portion including a first temperature sensitive impedance element having a heat sensing relationship with said region when the probe is introduced thereinto; a heater element associated with the quill; means for energizing the heater element to maintain the probe substantially at a preset temperature level; a second temperature sensitive impedance element spaced from the first said impedance element and adapted to Be responsive to variations in the temperature of said quill, said energizing means being responsive to variations in the impedance of said second impedance element for maintaining said quill relatively precisely at said present temperature level; means for initiating a predetermined timing interval following introduction of the probe into the region; means for measuring the temperature of the element at the completion of the timing interval; and means for indicating a temperature which is a function of the measured temperature of the element at the completion of the timing interval, the indicated temperature being a substantially accurate extrapolation of the temperature in the region and being thereby indicated in substantially less time than required for the element to reach the actual temperature in the region.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
49 words
A probe-type thermometer as set forth in claim 24 wherein said energizing means comprises a differential amplifier having an input interconnected with said second impedance element and an output connected for controlling the energization of said heater element as a function of the impedance of the second impedance element.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
15 words
A probe-type thermometer as set forth in claim 25 wherein said impedance elements comprise thermistors.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
24 words
A probe-type thermometer as set forth in claim 24 wherein said measuring means comprises an impedance bridge including the first said temperature sensitive element.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
41 words
A probe-type thermometer as set forth in claim 24 wherein said means for initiating a timing interval is operative to initiate the timing interval upon the temperature of the first impedance element exceeding a preselected level higher than said preset level.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
242 words
A probe-type electronic thermometer comprising: a probe for introduction into a region having a temperature which is to be measured, said probe including a temperature sensitive element having an impedance which varies as a function of the temperature thereof, said element having a heat sensing relationship with the region when the probe is introduced thereinto; means for initiating a first predetermined timing interval in response to the impedance of the element attaining a preselected level following introduction of the probe into the region; means including an impedance bridge for measuring the impedance of the element at the completion of the first timing interval, said means for initiating a first timing interval comprising a first timer circuit responsive to the voltage across said bridge; a meter for indicating a temperature which is a function of the measured impedance of the element at the completion of the first timing interval, the indicated temperature being a substantially accurate extrapolation of the temperature in the region; means including a second timer circuit responsive to operation of the first timer circuit for initiating a second predetermined timing interval following indication of temperature at the completion of the first timing interval; and means for causing remeasuring of the impedance of the element at the completion of the second timing interval and indication by the meter of a temperature which is a function of the remeasured impedance thereby to provide a verified indication of the temperature in the region.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
242 words
A probe-type electronic thermometer comprising: a probe for introduction into a region having a temperature which is to be measured, said probe including a temperature sensitive element having an impedance which varies as a function of the temperature thereof, said element having a heat sensing relationship with the region when the probe is introduced thereinto; means for initiating a first predetermined timing interval in response to the impedance of the element attaining a preselected level following introduction of the probe into the region; means including an impedance bridge for measuring the impedance of the element at the completion of the first timing interval, said means for initiating a first timing interval comprising a first timer circuit responsive to the voltage across said bridge; a meter for indicating a temperature which is a function of the measured impedance of the element at the completion of the first timing interval, the indicated temperature being a substantially accurate extrapolation of the temperature in the region; means including a second timer circuit responsive to operation of the first timer circuit for initiating a second predetermined timing interval following indication of temperature at the completion of the first timing interval; and means for causing remeasuring of the impedance of the element at the completion of the second timing interval and indication by the meter of a temperature which is a function of the remeasured impedance thereby to provide a verified indication of the temperature in the region.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
33 words
A probe-type electronic thermometer as set forth in claim 29 further comprising means for recalibrating the meter during the second timing interval for said verified indication thereby of the temperature in the region.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
24 words
A probe-type electronic thermometer as set forth in claim 30 wherein said verified indication is a further extrapolation of the temperature in the region.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
48 words
A probe-type electronic thermometer as set forth in claim 29 further comprising signal means responsive to operation of the first timer circuit for signalling completion of the first timing interval and responsive also to operation of the second timer circuit for signalling completion of the second timing interval.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
28 words
A probe-type electronic thermometer as set forth in claim 32 further comprising means for intermittently energizing the signal means for intermittent indication thereof during the second timing interval.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
44 words
A probe-type electronic thermometer as set forth in claim 29 further comprising a third timer circuit responsive also to operation of said first timer circuit and operative to provide a delay interval following the first timing interval and initiation of said second timing interval.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-07-08 | 1978-01-07 | 1978-07-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-07-08 | 1982-01-07 | 1982-07-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-07-08 | 1986-01-07 | 1986-07-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |