In situ optical surface temperature measuring techniques and devices
First Claim
1. A sensor for measuring the temperature of a surface of an object, comprising:
- a cap having an end wall of thermally conducting material and shaped to conform to a shape of the object surface to be measured;
a surface on an inside of the end wall of the cap that emits electromagnetic radiation having a detectable optical characteristic that is functionally dependent on the temperature of the end wall;
a light waveguide disposed generally orthogonal to the cap and in optical communication therewith; and
a resilient member connected to the cap in a manner to urge the cap toward the surface of the object in a manner allowing a limited degree of directional freedom with respect to the waveguide, thereby causing the cap outside surface to firmly engage the object surface when positioned in contact therewith.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A temperature sensor that has a thermally conducting contact with a surface that emits electromagnetic radiation in proportion to the temperature of the contact is disclosed. The sensor has a resilient member attached to the contact and configured to extend the contact toward the object to be measured. A first light waveguide is attached to the contact and is configured to transmit the electromagnetic radiation from the contact. The sensor has a guide with a bore formed therein that the first waveguide is insertable into. When the contact is moved, the first waveguide moves within the bore. A second waveguide is attached to the guide such that a variable gap is formed between the ends of the first waveguide and the second waveguide. Electromagnetic energy from the first waveguide traverses the gap and can be transmitted by the second waveguide. The guide allows the first waveguide to move with the contact in order to ensure that the contact is fully engaged with the surface of the object.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A sensor for measuring the temperature of a surface of an object, comprising:
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a cap having an end wall of thermally conducting material and shaped to conform to a shape of the object surface to be measured;
a surface on an inside of the end wall of the cap that emits electromagnetic radiation having a detectable optical characteristic that is functionally dependent on the temperature of the end wall;
a light waveguide disposed generally orthogonal to the cap and in optical communication therewith; and
a resilient member connected to the cap in a manner to urge the cap toward the surface of the object in a manner allowing a limited degree of directional freedom with respect to the waveguide, thereby causing the cap outside surface to firmly engage the object surface when positioned in contact therewith. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A sensor for measuring the temperature of an object, the sensor comprising:
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a thermally conducting contact having a surface that emits electromagnetic radiation with a detectable optical characteristic that is functionally dependent on the temperature of the contact;
a resilient member attached to the contact and configured to extend the contact toward the object;
a first light waveguide attached to the contact and configured to transmit the electromagnetic radiation from the contact;
a guide having a bore through which the first waveguide is insertable into, such that when the contact is moved, the first waveguide is movable within the bore; and
a second light waveguide fixedly attached to the guide, the second light waveguide positioned to form a variable gap between an end of the first waveguide and an end of the second waveguide such that electromagnetic energy from the first waveguide traverses the gap and can be transmitted by the second waveguide. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A sensor for measuring the temperature of an object, the sensor comprising:
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a thermally conducting contact having a surface that emits electromagnetic radiation with a detectable optical characteristic that is functionally dependent on the temperature of the contact;
a tip attached to the contact, the tip having an barrel section and a mating section;
a shield having an opening with an annular edge formed in an end thereof, the opening being configured such that the barrel portion passes therethrough and the annular edge being shaped complementary to the mating section of the tip;
a resilient member attached to the contact and configured to extend the barrel portion through the opening and extend the contact toward the object; and
a light waveguide disposed within the tip and configured to transmit the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the surface of the contact;
wherein the opening and the ledge allow a limited degree of directional freedom of the tip to thereby provide engagement between the contact and the object. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification