Temperature sensor probe apparatus and method for improving time response
First Claim
1. A temperature sensor probe for sensing the temperature of a flowing fluid, the temperature sensor probe comprising:
- A. a temperature sensing element;
B. temperature probe housing means for housing the temperature sensing element so as to isolate the sensing element from direct contact with the fluid being sensed; and
C. flow channeling means formed on the outer surface of the housing means at an acute angle to the direction of fluid flow for deflecting the fluid over the outer surface of the housing means as the fluid flows over said outer surface so as to reduce the separation of fluid flow from the outer surface of the housing and thereby increase the convective heat transfer coefficient of the housing means.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A temperature sensor probe is provided with a series of flow channels for deflecting a fluid to be sensed as it flows over the surface of the probe. The flow channels reduce the separation of flow from the surface of the probe thereby increasing the convective heat transfer of the probe and improving the time response of the probe. The temperature sensor probe includes a temperature sensing element housed in a probe housing. In channels are formed on the outer surface of the probe housing. In the preferred form of the invention, the housing is cylindrically shaped and the flow channels extend around the entire circumference of the housing in a spiral fashion so as to form a helical shape extending substantially the entire length of the probe housing.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A temperature sensor probe for sensing the temperature of a flowing fluid, the temperature sensor probe comprising:
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A. a temperature sensing element; B. temperature probe housing means for housing the temperature sensing element so as to isolate the sensing element from direct contact with the fluid being sensed; and C. flow channeling means formed on the outer surface of the housing means at an acute angle to the direction of fluid flow for deflecting the fluid over the outer surface of the housing means as the fluid flows over said outer surface so as to reduce the separation of fluid flow from the outer surface of the housing and thereby increase the convective heat transfer coefficient of the housing means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A housing for housing the temperature sensing element of a temperature sensor probe for sensing the temperature of a flowing fluid, the housing comprising:
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A. a substantially cylindrical elongated housing member having an inner cavity adapted for receiving a temperature sensing element; and B. flow channeling means formed into the outer surface of the housing member at an acute angle to the direction of fluid flow for deflecting fluid over the outer surface of the housing member as the fluid flows over said outer surface so as to reduce the separation of fluid flow from the outer surface of the housing and thereby increase the convective heat transfer coefficient of the housing. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of reducing the time response of a temperature sensor probe to temperature changes of a fluid flowing past the probe, the method comprising the step of:
A. deflecting the fluid over the outer surface of the probe at an acute angle to the direction of fluid flow as the fluid flows along said surface so as to reduce the separation of fluid from the outer surface of the probe, thereby increasing the convective heat transfer coefficient of the probe. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
Specification