Patent US4021646A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
Patent US3877307A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3877307A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Electronic thermometer
Assignee: NEW IVAC Inc
•
Filing: 1972-09-08
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Granted: 1975-04-15
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Expires: 1992-09-08
Abstract
Abstract An electronic method and apparatus for measuring temperatures by means of a thermistor in one arm of an electrical bridge, bridge output being varied by the on and off duty cycle of a shunting impedance selectively switched into and out of the balancing arm of the bridge in accordance with the relative states of a counting display register and a cyclically scanned counting register, the display register state being altered by gated pulses, under the control of bridge output, to provide a digital indication of measured temperature. Bridges of both the nulling and non-nulling types are disclosed using either a dual ramp integrator or conventional detector acting upon bridge output to provide an impedance measurement subsystem independent of reference supply voltage and also enabling non-linear analog to digital conversion to compensate for a nonlinear thermistor temperature vs. thermistor resistance characteristics, without sacrificing measurement sensitivity. Anticipation circuitry is provided for monitoring and correlating the display register pulses with the time vs. temperature response characteristic of the thermistor, to selectively alter bridge balance and display register state so as to provide an advance indication of the anticipated temperature at which the thermistor will finally stabilize. Either the particular display register pulse rates searched for, or the magnitude of the anticipation correction introduced, is varied as a function of the elapsed monitoring period from a prescribed reference point in a given measurement cycle. Additionally, a safeguard subsystem requiring a prescribed pulse period sequence for proper completion of the measurement cycle minimizes false readings which might otherwise be provided by improper measurement technique of operating personnel.
Inventors
- 👤 Heinz W Georgi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 20:08
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01R; G01R17/00; G01K; G01K13/00; G01K13/20; G01K7/00; G01K7/42; H; H03; H03M; H03M1/00; H03M1/12; H03M1/50; H03M1/58
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 94
Claim 1
Independent Claim
91 words
A method of anticipating measurement wherein the needed correction increment introduced varies with the elapsed time during which measurement is being taken, comprising the steps of: monitoring a condition to be measured; monitoring the rate of change of said condition; measuring the elapsed time while performing said monitoring; introducing a correction increment to the measurement of said condition to provide an advance indicating of the final state of said condition; and varying said correction increment as a function of both said elapsed time and said rate of change of said condition.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
91 words
A method of anticipating measurement wherein the needed correction increment introduced varies with the elapsed time during which measurement is being taken, comprising the steps of: monitoring a condition to be measured; monitoring the rate of change of said condition; measuring the elapsed time while performing said monitoring; introducing a correction increment to the measurement of said condition to provide an advance indicating of the final state of said condition; and varying said correction increment as a function of both said elapsed time and said rate of change of said condition.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as set forth in claim 1 and further including the step of: terminating measurement of said condition only upon occurrence of a series of successive rate of change values of prescribed magnitudes.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
102 words
A method of anticipating measurement wherein the needed correction increment introduced varies with the elapsed time during which measurement is being taken, comprising the steps of: monitoring a condition to be measured; monitoring the rate of change of said condition; monitoring the elapsed time in the measuring period; introducing a correction increment to the measurement of said condition to provide an advance indication of the final state of said condition; and determining the time of termination of said measurement period in response to the occurrence of a prescribed sequence of rate of change values determined by said rate of change monitoring step.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
102 words
A method of anticipating measurement wherein the needed correction increment introduced varies with the elapsed time during which measurement is being taken, comprising the steps of: monitoring a condition to be measured; monitoring the rate of change of said condition; monitoring the elapsed time in the measuring period; introducing a correction increment to the measurement of said condition to provide an advance indication of the final state of said condition; and determining the time of termination of said measurement period in response to the occurrence of a prescribed sequence of rate of change values determined by said rate of change monitoring step.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as set forth in claim 3, and further including the step of: varying the magnitude of said correction increment as a function of elapsed time in the measuring period.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
107 words
A method of measurement, comprising the steps of: monitoring a condition to be measured; monitoring the rate of change of said condition; searching for a first rate of change of a first magnitude; searching for a second rate of change of a second magnitude less than said first magnitude, only after said searching for said first rate of change has been successfully completed; and reinstating the searching for said first rate of change and said second rate of change, even after said searching for said first rate of change has Been successfully completed, if a rate of change occurs with a magnitude greater than said first magnitude.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
107 words
A method of measurement, comprising the steps of: monitoring a condition to be measured; monitoring the rate of change of said condition; searching for a first rate of change of a first magnitude; searching for a second rate of change of a second magnitude less than said first magnitude, only after said searching for said first rate of change has been successfully completed; and reinstating the searching for said first rate of change and said second rate of change, even after said searching for said first rate of change has Been successfully completed, if a rate of change occurs with a magnitude greater than said first magnitude.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
101 words
A digital measurement method, comprising the steps of: monitoring a condition to be measured during a period of measurement; monitoring a pulse train representing the rate of change of said condition; searching for a first pulse period in a prescribed sequence; searching for a second pulse period in a prescribed sequence, said second pulse period being of longer duration than said first pulse period, and preventing termination of said period of measurement if, after said first pulse period is found, and prior to said second pulse period occurring, a pulse period having a duration less than said first pulse period occurs.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
101 words
A digital measurement method, comprising the steps of: monitoring a condition to be measured during a period of measurement; monitoring a pulse train representing the rate of change of said condition; searching for a first pulse period in a prescribed sequence; searching for a second pulse period in a prescribed sequence, said second pulse period being of longer duration than said first pulse period, and preventing termination of said period of measurement if, after said first pulse period is found, and prior to said second pulse period occurring, a pulse period having a duration less than said first pulse period occurs.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
104 words
A digital measurement method, comprising the steps of: monitoring a condition to be measured; monitoring a pulse train representing the rate of change of said condition; searching for a first pulse period in a prescribed sequence; searching for a second pulse period in a prescribed sequence, said second pulse period being of longer duration than said first pulse period, and reinstating the search for said first pulse period and said second pulse period in sequence if, after said first pulse period is found, and prior to said second pulse period occurring, a pulse period having a duration less than said second pulse period occurs.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
104 words
A digital measurement method, comprising the steps of: monitoring a condition to be measured; monitoring a pulse train representing the rate of change of said condition; searching for a first pulse period in a prescribed sequence; searching for a second pulse period in a prescribed sequence, said second pulse period being of longer duration than said first pulse period, and reinstating the search for said first pulse period and said second pulse period in sequence if, after said first pulse period is found, and prior to said second pulse period occurring, a pulse period having a duration less than said second pulse period occurs.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method as set forth in claim 7 including the additional step of: varying the magnitudes of said first pulse period and said second pulse period as a function of elapsed time in the period of measurement.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
109 words
Electronic measurement apparatus for providing anticipatory measurements wherein a correction increment is introduced and varies with the elapsed time during which measurement is being taken, comprising: sensing means for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a condition being monitored; means for measuring the elapsed time in a period of measurement; measuring means for measuring said electrical parameter during said period of measurement and thereby measuring said condition; and means for altering said measuring means as a function of both the rate of change of siad electrical parameter and the elapsed time in said period of measurement to provide an advance indication of the final state of said condition.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
109 words
Electronic measurement apparatus for providing anticipatory measurements wherein a correction increment is introduced and varies with the elapsed time during which measurement is being taken, comprising: sensing means for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a condition being monitored; means for measuring the elapsed time in a period of measurement; measuring means for measuring said electrical parameter during said period of measurement and thereby measuring said condition; and means for altering said measuring means as a function of both the rate of change of siad electrical parameter and the elapsed time in said period of measurement to provide an advance indication of the final state of said condition.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
112 words
Electronic measurement apparatus for providing anticipatory measurements wherein a correction increment is introduced and varies with the elapsed time during which measurement is being taken, comprising: sensing means for varying an electrical parameter during a period of measurement in accordance with a condition being monitored; measuring means for measuring said electrical parameter and thereby measuring said condition; means for altering the state of said measuring means by a defined constant; and means for terminating said period of measurement as a function of both the rate of change of said electrical parameter and the elapsed time in said period of measurement to provide an advance indication of the final state of said condition.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
112 words
Electronic measurement apparatus for providing anticipatory measurements wherein a correction increment is introduced and varies with the elapsed time during which measurement is being taken, comprising: sensing means for varying an electrical parameter during a period of measurement in accordance with a condition being monitored; measuring means for measuring said electrical parameter and thereby measuring said condition; means for altering the state of said measuring means by a defined constant; and means for terminating said period of measurement as a function of both the rate of change of said electrical parameter and the elapsed time in said period of measurement to provide an advance indication of the final state of said condition.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 10, wherein the magnitude of said defined constant varies as a function of elapsed time.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
95 words
Electronic apparatus comprising: sensing means for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a condition being monitored; measuring means for measuring said electrical parameter and thereby measuring said condition; means for monitoring the rate of change of said electrical parameter; and means for altering the state of said measuring means by a fixed constant, the time of termination of said measurement being determined as a function of a plurality of successive rates of change of said electrical parameter detected by said monitoring means, to provide an advance indication of the final state of said condition.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
95 words
Electronic apparatus comprising: sensing means for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a condition being monitored; measuring means for measuring said electrical parameter and thereby measuring said condition; means for monitoring the rate of change of said electrical parameter; and means for altering the state of said measuring means by a fixed constant, the time of termination of said measurement being determined as a function of a plurality of successive rates of change of said electrical parameter detected by said monitoring means, to provide an advance indication of the final state of said condition.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
106 words
An anticipatory measurement system wherein the needed correction incremenT introduced varies with the elapsed time during which measurement is being taken, comprising: first means for monitoring a condition to be measured during a measurement period; second means for monitoring the rate of change of said condition; third means for introducing a correction to the output measurement of said condition to provide an advance indication of the final state of said condition and said measurement; and fourth means for varying the time of termination of said measurement period in response to the occurrence of a prescribed sequence of rate of change values detected by said second means.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
106 words
An anticipatory measurement system wherein the needed correction incremenT introduced varies with the elapsed time during which measurement is being taken, comprising: first means for monitoring a condition to be measured during a measurement period; second means for monitoring the rate of change of said condition; third means for introducing a correction to the output measurement of said condition to provide an advance indication of the final state of said condition and said measurement; and fourth means for varying the time of termination of said measurement period in response to the occurrence of a prescribed sequence of rate of change values detected by said second means.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system as set forth in claim 13, wherein said prescribed sequence requires successive rates of change of predetermined magnitudes.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
44 words
A system as set forth in claim 14, and further including: fifth means for preventing false termination of said measurement period, said fifth means requiring renewal of all of said presecribed sequence upon interruption of said sequence by occurrence of non-prescribed rates of change.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
27 words
A system as set forth in claim 14, and further including: fifth means for varying said predetermined magnitudes as a function of the elapsed time while monitoring.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
96 words
An anticipatory measurement system wherein the needed correction increment introduced varies with the elapsed time during which measurement is being taken, comprising: means for monitoring a condition to be measured; means for monitoring the rate of change of said condition; means for measuring the elapsed time while monitoring; means for introducing a correction to the output measurement of said condition to provide an advance indication of the final state of said condition and said measurement; and means for varying said correction as a function of both elapsed time and the rate of change of said condition.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
96 words
An anticipatory measurement system wherein the needed correction increment introduced varies with the elapsed time during which measurement is being taken, comprising: means for monitoring a condition to be measured; means for monitoring the rate of change of said condition; means for measuring the elapsed time while monitoring; means for introducing a correction to the output measurement of said condition to provide an advance indication of the final state of said condition and said measurement; and means for varying said correction as a function of both elapsed time and the rate of change of said condition.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
30 words
A system as set forth in claim 17, and further including: means for terminating further measurement of said condition upon occurrence of a prescribed sequence of rate of change determinations.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system as set forth in claim 18, wherein said prescribed sequence requires successive rates of change of predetermined magnitudes.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system as set forth in claim 19, wherein said predetermined magnitudes vary as a function of elapsed time.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
92 words
Measurement apparatus, comprising: sensing means for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a condition being monitored; measuring means for measuring said electrical parameter during a measurement cycle and thereby measuring said condition; means for altering the state of said measuring means as a function of the rate of change of said electrical parameter and elapsed time in said measurement cycle to provide an advance indication of the final state of said condition; and disabling means, responsive to the initial state of said condition being monitored, for selectively disabling said altering means.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
92 words
Measurement apparatus, comprising: sensing means for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a condition being monitored; measuring means for measuring said electrical parameter during a measurement cycle and thereby measuring said condition; means for altering the state of said measuring means as a function of the rate of change of said electrical parameter and elapsed time in said measurement cycle to provide an advance indication of the final state of said condition; and disabling means, responsive to the initial state of said condition being monitored, for selectively disabling said altering means.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
92 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus, comprising: first means for varying an electrical parameter during a period of measurement in accordance with a temperature being monitored; second means for measuring said electrical parameter and thereby measuring said temperature; and means for altering the state of said measuring means during said period of measurement by a single value representing a fixed temperature differential, the magnitude of said value being a function of the elapsed time in said period of measurement, whereby an advance indication is provided of the anticipated final value of said temperature being monitored.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
92 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus, comprising: first means for varying an electrical parameter during a period of measurement in accordance with a temperature being monitored; second means for measuring said electrical parameter and thereby measuring said temperature; and means for altering the state of said measuring means during said period of measurement by a single value representing a fixed temperature differential, the magnitude of said value being a function of the elapsed time in said period of measurement, whereby an advance indication is provided of the anticipated final value of said temperature being monitored.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
102 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus, comprising: first means for varying an electrical parameter during a period of measurement in accordance with a temperature being monitored; second means for measuring said electrical parameter and thereby measuring said temperature; and means for altering the state of said measuring means during said period of measuremenT by a single value representing a fixed temperature differential, the magnitude of said value being a function of both the rate of change of said electrical parameter and the elapsed time in said period of measurement, whereby an advance indication is provided of the anticipated final value of said temperature being monitored.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
102 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus, comprising: first means for varying an electrical parameter during a period of measurement in accordance with a temperature being monitored; second means for measuring said electrical parameter and thereby measuring said temperature; and means for altering the state of said measuring means during said period of measuremenT by a single value representing a fixed temperature differential, the magnitude of said value being a function of both the rate of change of said electrical parameter and the elapsed time in said period of measurement, whereby an advance indication is provided of the anticipated final value of said temperature being monitored.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
88 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus, comprising: first means for varying an electrical parameter during a measurement cycle in accordance with a temperature being monitored; second means for providing an electrical output measurement of said temperature being monitored; third means, responsive to a prescribed sequence of successively detected rates of change of said electrical parameter, for altering the duration of said measurement cycle; and fourth means for adding a fixed increment to said electrical output measurement to provide an advance indication of an anticipated final value of said temperature being monitored.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
88 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus, comprising: first means for varying an electrical parameter during a measurement cycle in accordance with a temperature being monitored; second means for providing an electrical output measurement of said temperature being monitored; third means, responsive to a prescribed sequence of successively detected rates of change of said electrical parameter, for altering the duration of said measurement cycle; and fourth means for adding a fixed increment to said electrical output measurement to provide an advance indication of an anticipated final value of said temperature being monitored.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
26 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus, as set forth in claim 24, wherein the magnitude of said fixed increment is a function of elapsed time in the measurement cycle.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
27 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus, as set forth in claim 24, wherein the required magnitudes of said sequence of successively detected rates vary as a function of elapsed time.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
43 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus, as set forth in claim 24, and further including: fifth means for preventing false termination of said measurement cycle, said fifth means requiring renewal of all of said prescribed sequence upon interruption of said prescribed sequence by a non-prescribed sequence.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
88 words
Electronic apparatus, comprising: sensing means for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a condition being monitored; measuring means for measuring said electrical parameter during a measurement cycle and thereby measuring said condition; means for altering the state of said measuring means as a function of the rate of change of said electrical parameter and the elapsed time in said measurement cycle to provide an advance indication of the final state of said condition; and disabling means for selectively disabling said altering means without disabling said measuring means.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
88 words
Electronic apparatus, comprising: sensing means for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a condition being monitored; measuring means for measuring said electrical parameter during a measurement cycle and thereby measuring said condition; means for altering the state of said measuring means as a function of the rate of change of said electrical parameter and the elapsed time in said measurement cycle to provide an advance indication of the final state of said condition; and disabling means for selectively disabling said altering means without disabling said measuring means.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
118 words
Electrical apparatus, comprising: sensing means for varying an electrical parameter during a measurement cycle in accordance with a condition being monitored; measuring means for measuring said electrical parameter and thereby measuring said condition, said measuring means including a counter; means for measuring the elapsed time in said measurement cycle; means responsive to said measuring means for providing pulses dependent on the sensed parameter; and means for altering the state of said measuring means as a function of the rate of change of said electrical parameter and the elapsed time in said measurement cycle to provide an advance indication of the final state of said condition, said rate of change being measured by the pulse rate of said pulses.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
118 words
Electrical apparatus, comprising: sensing means for varying an electrical parameter during a measurement cycle in accordance with a condition being monitored; measuring means for measuring said electrical parameter and thereby measuring said condition, said measuring means including a counter; means for measuring the elapsed time in said measurement cycle; means responsive to said measuring means for providing pulses dependent on the sensed parameter; and means for altering the state of said measuring means as a function of the rate of change of said electrical parameter and the elapsed time in said measurement cycle to provide an advance indication of the final state of said condition, said rate of change being measured by the pulse rate of said pulses.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
86 words
Electronic apparatus, comprising: sensing means for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a condition being monitored; measuring means, including a digital counter, for measuring said electrical parameter and thereby measuring said condition; and means for altering the state of said measuring means as a function of the rate of change of said electrical parameter to provide an advance indication of the final state of said condition, said altering means being responsive to a prescribed sequence of successive time periods between pulses driving said digital counter.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
86 words
Electronic apparatus, comprising: sensing means for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a condition being monitored; measuring means, including a digital counter, for measuring said electrical parameter and thereby measuring said condition; and means for altering the state of said measuring means as a function of the rate of change of said electrical parameter to provide an advance indication of the final state of said condition, said altering means being responsive to a prescribed sequence of successive time periods between pulses driving said digital counter.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
37 words
Electronic apparatus as set forth in claim 30, and further including: means for measuring the elapsed time in the monitoring period and for establishing prescribed magnitudes of said successive time periods as a function of elapsed time.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
88 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus, comprising: first means for varying an electrical parameter in accOrdance with a temperature being monitored; second means for providing an electrical output measurement of said temperature being monitored, said second means including a digital counter; third means, responsive to said first means, for altering the state of said second means; and fourth means responsive to successive time periods between pulses driving said digital counter for altering said electrical output measurement to provide an advance indication of an anticipated final value of said temperature being monitored.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
88 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus, comprising: first means for varying an electrical parameter in accOrdance with a temperature being monitored; second means for providing an electrical output measurement of said temperature being monitored, said second means including a digital counter; third means, responsive to said first means, for altering the state of said second means; and fourth means responsive to successive time periods between pulses driving said digital counter for altering said electrical output measurement to provide an advance indication of an anticipated final value of said temperature being monitored.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
132 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus for providing anticipatory measurement wherein a correction increment is introduced and varies with the elapsed time during which measurement is being taken, comprising: first means for varying an electrical parameter during a period of measurement in accordance with a temperature being monitored; means for measuring the elapsed time during said period of measurement; second means for providing an electrical output measurement of said temperature being monitored; third means, responsive to said first means, for altering the state of said second means; fourth means for altering said electrical output measurement as a function of elapsed time in said period of measurement to provide an advance indication of an anticipated final value of said temperature being monitored; and disabling means for selectively disabling said fourth means without disabling said second means.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
132 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus for providing anticipatory measurement wherein a correction increment is introduced and varies with the elapsed time during which measurement is being taken, comprising: first means for varying an electrical parameter during a period of measurement in accordance with a temperature being monitored; means for measuring the elapsed time during said period of measurement; second means for providing an electrical output measurement of said temperature being monitored; third means, responsive to said first means, for altering the state of said second means; fourth means for altering said electrical output measurement as a function of elapsed time in said period of measurement to provide an advance indication of an anticipated final value of said temperature being monitored; and disabling means for selectively disabling said fourth means without disabling said second means.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 33, wherein said disabling means is responsive to the initial magnitude of said temperature being monitored.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
118 words
Electronic apparatus, comprising: sensing means for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a condition being monitored; measuring means for measuring said electrical parameter and thereby measuring said condition, said measuring means including an electrical bridge network having a detector responsive to an unbalanced state of said bridge network to tend to rebalance said bridge network; and means for altering the state of said measuring means to provide an advance indication of the final state of said condition, said altering means including means for unbalancing said bridge network to alter the state of said detector; and means for terminating further measurement as a function of detecting a prescribed sequence of successive rates of change of said electrical parameter.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
118 words
Electronic apparatus, comprising: sensing means for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a condition being monitored; measuring means for measuring said electrical parameter and thereby measuring said condition, said measuring means including an electrical bridge network having a detector responsive to an unbalanced state of said bridge network to tend to rebalance said bridge network; and means for altering the state of said measuring means to provide an advance indication of the final state of said condition, said altering means including means for unbalancing said bridge network to alter the state of said detector; and means for terminating further measurement as a function of detecting a prescribed sequence of successive rates of change of said electrical parameter.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
129 words
Electronic thermometer comprising: first means, including an electrical bridge network having a variable balancing arm impedence, for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a temperature being monitored; second means, including a digital counter for varying said balancing arm impedence to provide an electrical output measurement of said temperature being monitored; third means, responsive to the output state of said bridge network, for generating pulses to alter the state of said counter; and fourth means, to deliberately unbalance said bridge network and alter the count registered in said counter, thereby proving an advance indication of an anticipated final value of said temperature being monitored; and fifth means, responsive to a prescribed sequence of successive time periods between pulses from said third means driving said counter, for terminating further measurement.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
129 words
Electronic thermometer comprising: first means, including an electrical bridge network having a variable balancing arm impedence, for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a temperature being monitored; second means, including a digital counter for varying said balancing arm impedence to provide an electrical output measurement of said temperature being monitored; third means, responsive to the output state of said bridge network, for generating pulses to alter the state of said counter; and fourth means, to deliberately unbalance said bridge network and alter the count registered in said counter, thereby proving an advance indication of an anticipated final value of said temperature being monitored; and fifth means, responsive to a prescribed sequence of successive time periods between pulses from said third means driving said counter, for terminating further measurement.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
81 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus, comprising: first means, including an electrical bridge network having a balancing arm and a dual ramp integrator providing output from said bridge network, for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a temperature being monitored; second means, including a digital counter controlling said balancing arm, for providing an electrical output measurement of said temperature being monitored; and third means, responsive to the output state of said intergrator in said bridge network, for varying the state of said counter.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
81 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus, comprising: first means, including an electrical bridge network having a balancing arm and a dual ramp integrator providing output from said bridge network, for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a temperature being monitored; second means, including a digital counter controlling said balancing arm, for providing an electrical output measurement of said temperature being monitored; and third means, responsive to the output state of said intergrator in said bridge network, for varying the state of said counter.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
35 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus, as set forth in claim 37, And further including: fourth means for altering said electrical output measurement to provide an advance indication of an anticipated final value of said temperature being monitored.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
137 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus, comprising: electrical bridge means for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a temperature being monitored, said bridge means including a balancing arm having a shunt resistor; a switching means for said shunt resistor for selectively inserting and removing said resistor from said balancing arm; digital counter means for providing a digital electrical output measurement of said temperature being monitored, the open and closed time of said switching means being selectively controlled by the count registered in said counter means for varying the net resistance of said balancing arm; pulse generating and control means, responsive to the state of said bridge means, to provide pulses to said digital counter means for varying the open and closed time of said switching means; and counter altering means for changing the count in said digital counter means.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
137 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus, comprising: electrical bridge means for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a temperature being monitored, said bridge means including a balancing arm having a shunt resistor; a switching means for said shunt resistor for selectively inserting and removing said resistor from said balancing arm; digital counter means for providing a digital electrical output measurement of said temperature being monitored, the open and closed time of said switching means being selectively controlled by the count registered in said counter means for varying the net resistance of said balancing arm; pulse generating and control means, responsive to the state of said bridge means, to provide pulses to said digital counter means for varying the open and closed time of said switching means; and counter altering means for changing the count in said digital counter means.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
168 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus, comprising: electrical bridge means for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a temperature being monitored, said bridge means including a balancing arm having a shunt resistor; a switching means for said shunt resistor for selectively inserting and removing said resistor from said balancing arm; digital counter means for providing a digital electrical output measurement of said temperature being monitored, the open and closed time of said switching means being selectively controlled by the count registered in said counter means for varying the net resistance of said balancing arm; pulse generating and control means, responsive to the state of said bridge means, for generating and directing pulses to said digital counter means for varying the duty cycle of said switching means and said balancing arm resistance; and counter altering means for changing the count in said digital counter means as a function of the rate of change of said temperature being monitored to provide an advance indication of the anticipated final value of said temperature.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
168 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus, comprising: electrical bridge means for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a temperature being monitored, said bridge means including a balancing arm having a shunt resistor; a switching means for said shunt resistor for selectively inserting and removing said resistor from said balancing arm; digital counter means for providing a digital electrical output measurement of said temperature being monitored, the open and closed time of said switching means being selectively controlled by the count registered in said counter means for varying the net resistance of said balancing arm; pulse generating and control means, responsive to the state of said bridge means, for generating and directing pulses to said digital counter means for varying the duty cycle of said switching means and said balancing arm resistance; and counter altering means for changing the count in said digital counter means as a function of the rate of change of said temperature being monitored to provide an advance indication of the anticipated final value of said temperature.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
167 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus, comprising: electrical bridge means for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a temperature being monitored, said bridge means including a balancing arm having a shunt resistor; a switching means for said shunt resistor for selectively inserting and removing said resistor from said balancing arm; digital counter means for providing a digital electrical output measurement of said temperature being monitored, the open and closed time of said switching means being selectively controlled by the count registered in said counter means for varying the net resistance of said balancing arm; pulse generating and control means, responsive to the state of said bridge means, to provide pulses to said digital counter means for varying the duty cycle of said switching means and said balancing arm resistance; and counter altering means for changing the count in said digital counter means as a function of successively detected rates of change of said temperature being monitored to provide an advance indication of the anticipated final value of said temperature.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
167 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus, comprising: electrical bridge means for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a temperature being monitored, said bridge means including a balancing arm having a shunt resistor; a switching means for said shunt resistor for selectively inserting and removing said resistor from said balancing arm; digital counter means for providing a digital electrical output measurement of said temperature being monitored, the open and closed time of said switching means being selectively controlled by the count registered in said counter means for varying the net resistance of said balancing arm; pulse generating and control means, responsive to the state of said bridge means, to provide pulses to said digital counter means for varying the duty cycle of said switching means and said balancing arm resistance; and counter altering means for changing the count in said digital counter means as a function of successively detected rates of change of said temperature being monitored to provide an advance indication of the anticipated final value of said temperature.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
162 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus, comprising: electrical bridge means for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a temperature being a monitored, said bridge means including a balancing arm having a shunt resistor; a switching means for said shunt resistor for selectively inserting and removing said resistor from said balancing arm; digital counter means for providing a digital electrical output measurement of said temperature being monitored, the open and closed time of said switching means being selectively controlled by the count registered in said counter means for varying the net resIstance of said balancing arm; pulse generating and control means, responsive to the state of said bridge means, for generating and directing pulses to said digital counter means for varying the duty cycle of said switching means and said balancing arm resistance; and counter altering means for changing the count in said digital counter means, the magnitude of said count change being varied as a function of the elapsed time in a measurement cycle.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
162 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus, comprising: electrical bridge means for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a temperature being a monitored, said bridge means including a balancing arm having a shunt resistor; a switching means for said shunt resistor for selectively inserting and removing said resistor from said balancing arm; digital counter means for providing a digital electrical output measurement of said temperature being monitored, the open and closed time of said switching means being selectively controlled by the count registered in said counter means for varying the net resIstance of said balancing arm; pulse generating and control means, responsive to the state of said bridge means, for generating and directing pulses to said digital counter means for varying the duty cycle of said switching means and said balancing arm resistance; and counter altering means for changing the count in said digital counter means, the magnitude of said count change being varied as a function of the elapsed time in a measurement cycle.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
164 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus, comprising: electrical bridge means for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a temperature being monitored, said bridge means including a balancing arm having a shunt resistor; a switching means for said shunt resistor for selectively inserting and removing said resistor from said balancing arm; digital counter means for providing a digital electrical output measurement of said temperature being monitored, the open and closed time of said switching means being selectively controlled by the count registered in said counter means for varying the net resistance of said balancing arm; pulse generating and control means, responsive to the state of said bridge means, to provide pulses to said digital counter means for varying the duty cycle of said switching means and said balancing arm resistance; and counter altering means for changing the count in said digital counter means as a function of the elapsed time in said measuring cycle to provide an advance indication of the anticipated final value of said temperature.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
164 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus, comprising: electrical bridge means for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a temperature being monitored, said bridge means including a balancing arm having a shunt resistor; a switching means for said shunt resistor for selectively inserting and removing said resistor from said balancing arm; digital counter means for providing a digital electrical output measurement of said temperature being monitored, the open and closed time of said switching means being selectively controlled by the count registered in said counter means for varying the net resistance of said balancing arm; pulse generating and control means, responsive to the state of said bridge means, to provide pulses to said digital counter means for varying the duty cycle of said switching means and said balancing arm resistance; and counter altering means for changing the count in said digital counter means as a function of the elapsed time in said measuring cycle to provide an advance indication of the anticipated final value of said temperature.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
176 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus, comprising: electrical bridge means for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a temperature being monitored, said bridge means including a balancing arm having a shunt resistor; a switching means for said shunt resistor for selectively inserting and removing said resistor from said balancing arm; digital counter means for providing a digital electrical output measurement of said temperature being monitored, the open and closed time of said switching means being selectively controlled by the count registered in said counter means for varying the net resistance of said balancing arm; pulse generating and control means, responsive to the state of said bridge means, for generating and directing pulses to said digital counter means for varying the duty cycle of said switching means and said balancing arm resistance; and counter altering means for changing the count in said digital counter means as a function both of elapsed time in said measurement cycle and the rate of change of said temperature being monitored, to provide an advance indication of the anticipated final value of said temperature.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
176 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus, comprising: electrical bridge means for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a temperature being monitored, said bridge means including a balancing arm having a shunt resistor; a switching means for said shunt resistor for selectively inserting and removing said resistor from said balancing arm; digital counter means for providing a digital electrical output measurement of said temperature being monitored, the open and closed time of said switching means being selectively controlled by the count registered in said counter means for varying the net resistance of said balancing arm; pulse generating and control means, responsive to the state of said bridge means, for generating and directing pulses to said digital counter means for varying the duty cycle of said switching means and said balancing arm resistance; and counter altering means for changing the count in said digital counter means as a function both of elapsed time in said measurement cycle and the rate of change of said temperature being monitored, to provide an advance indication of the anticipated final value of said temperature.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
30 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus as set forth in claim 44, wherein said altering means only changes the count in said digital counter means at the beginning of a temperature measurement cycle.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
33 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus as set forth in claim 44, wherein said altering means is responsive to the time period between pulses from said pulse generating and control means driving said digital counter means.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
39 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus as set forth in claim 44, wherein the size of the count change in said digital counter means is varied in accordance with the magnitude of the time period between pulses driving said digital counter means.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
20 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus as set forth in claim 44, and further including: disabling means for selectively disabling said altering means.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
29 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus as set forth in claim 44, wherein said altering means includes means for unbalancing said bridge means to alter the count registered in said counter means.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
25 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus as set forth in claim 44, said altering means includes an additional resistance selectively shunting said balancing arm of said bridge means.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
34 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus as set forth in claim 44, and furtheR including: digital display means connected to said digital counter means for displaying the count registered in said counter means in eye readable form.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
24 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus as set forth in claim 48, wherein said disabling means is responsive to the initial magnitude of said temperature being monitored.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
93 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus, comprising: electrical bridge means for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a temperature being monitored, said bridge means including a balancing arm having a shunt resistor; a switching means for said shunt resistor for selectively inserting and removing said resistor from said balancing arm; and digital counter means for providing a digital electrical output measurement of said temperature being monitored, the open and closed time of said switching means being selectively controlled by the count registered in said counter means for varying the net resistance of said balancing arm.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
93 words
Electronic thermometer apparatus, comprising: electrical bridge means for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a temperature being monitored, said bridge means including a balancing arm having a shunt resistor; a switching means for said shunt resistor for selectively inserting and removing said resistor from said balancing arm; and digital counter means for providing a digital electrical output measurement of said temperature being monitored, the open and closed time of said switching means being selectively controlled by the count registered in said counter means for varying the net resistance of said balancing arm.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
47 words
Electronic thermometeer apparatus, as set forth in claim 53, and further comprising: pulse generating and control means, responsive to the state of said bridge means, for providing pulses to said digital counter means for varying the duty cycle of said switching means and said balancing arm resistance.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
120 words
Electronic apparatus, comprising: sensing means for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a condition being monitored; measuring means for measuring said electrical parameter during a measurement cycle and thereby measuring said condition; means for measuring the elapsed time in said measurement cycle; means responsive to said measuring means for providing pulses dependent on the sensed parameter; means for measuring the rate of change of said electrical parameter by the time period between a pair of said pulses; and means for altering the state of said measuring means as a function of said rate of change of said electrical parameter and the elapsed time in said measurement cycle to provide an advance indication of the final state of said condition.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
120 words
Electronic apparatus, comprising: sensing means for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a condition being monitored; measuring means for measuring said electrical parameter during a measurement cycle and thereby measuring said condition; means for measuring the elapsed time in said measurement cycle; means responsive to said measuring means for providing pulses dependent on the sensed parameter; means for measuring the rate of change of said electrical parameter by the time period between a pair of said pulses; and means for altering the state of said measuring means as a function of said rate of change of said electrical parameter and the elapsed time in said measurement cycle to provide an advance indication of the final state of said condition.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
17 words
Electronic apparatus as set forth in claim 55, wherein said sensing means is a temperature responsive transducer.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
15 words
Electronic apparatus as set forth in claim 55 wherein said measuring means includes a counter.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
14 words
Electronic apparatus as set forth in claim 56, wherein said transducer is a thermistor.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
17 words
Electronic apparatus as set forth in claim 57, wherein said counter is a digital counter and display.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
123 words
Electronic apparatus comprising: sensing means for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a condition being monitored; measuring means for measuring said electrical parameter and thereby measuring said condition, said measuring means including an electrical bridge network having a balancing arm controlled by a digital counter, said bridge network including a dual ramp integrator receiving the ouptut of said bridge network, said counter being responsive to the output of said integrator; and means for altering the state of said measuring means as a function of the rate of change of said electrical parameter, said altering means including means for unbalancing said bridge network to alter the count registered in said counter and provide an advance indication of the final state of said condition.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
123 words
Electronic apparatus comprising: sensing means for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a condition being monitored; measuring means for measuring said electrical parameter and thereby measuring said condition, said measuring means including an electrical bridge network having a balancing arm controlled by a digital counter, said bridge network including a dual ramp integrator receiving the ouptut of said bridge network, said counter being responsive to the output of said integrator; and means for altering the state of said measuring means as a function of the rate of change of said electrical parameter, said altering means including means for unbalancing said bridge network to alter the count registered in said counter and provide an advance indication of the final state of said condition.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
31 words
Electronic apparatus as set forth in claim 60, and further including: digital display means connected to said digital counter for displaying the count registered in said counter in eye readable form.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
118 words
Electronic apparatus comprising: sensing means for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a condition being monitored; measuring means for measuring said electrical parameter and thereby measuring said condition, said measurement means including an electrical bridge network having a balancing arm impedance selectively varied by a digital counter, said counter being responsive to pulses provided in respOnse to the output state of said bridge network; and means for altering the state of said measuring means as a function of the rate of change of said electrical parameter to provide an advance indication of the final state of said condition, said altering means being responsive to a prescribed sequence of successive time periods between pulses driving said digital counter.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
118 words
Electronic apparatus comprising: sensing means for varying an electrical parameter in accordance with a condition being monitored; measuring means for measuring said electrical parameter and thereby measuring said condition, said measurement means including an electrical bridge network having a balancing arm impedance selectively varied by a digital counter, said counter being responsive to pulses provided in respOnse to the output state of said bridge network; and means for altering the state of said measuring means as a function of the rate of change of said electrical parameter to provide an advance indication of the final state of said condition, said altering means being responsive to a prescribed sequence of successive time periods between pulses driving said digital counter.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-04-14 | 1978-10-14 | 1979-04-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-04-14 | 1982-10-14 | 1983-04-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-04-14 | 1986-10-14 | 1987-04-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |