Multi function thermometer

• US 7,520,668 B2
• Filed: 01/24/2007
• Issued: 04/21/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 01/24/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Innova Electronics Corporation (Innova Telematics Solutions)
• Original Assignee: Innova Electronics Corporation (Innova Telematics Solutions)
• Inventors: Chen, Ieon
• Primary Examiner(s): Assouad; Patrick J
• Assistant Examiner(s): ADAMS, BRET W
• Application Number:
  US11/657,349
• Publication Number:
  US 20080175301A1
• Time in Patent Office: 818 Days
• Field of Search: 374/101, 374/120, 374/121, 374/129, 374/141, 374/142, 374/163, 374/166, 374/170, 374179-182, 374/183, 374/185, 374/208, 600/549
• US Class Current: 374/121
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/02 Constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/0205 Mechanical elements; Supports for optical elements
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/025 Interfacing a pyrometer to an external device or network; User interface
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/026 Control of working procedures of a pyrometer, other than calibration; Bandwidth calculation; Gain control
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/0265 Handheld, portable ear thermometers G01J5/049
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/028 using a charging unit or battery
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/04 Casings
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/047 Mobile mounting; Scanning arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/08 Optical arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/0846 having multiple detectors for performing different types of detection, e.g. using radiometry and reflectometry channels
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/0893 Arrangements to attach devices to a pyrometer, i.e. attaching an optical interface; Spatial relative arrangement of optical elements, e.g. folded beam path G01J5/049 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/0896 using a light source, e.g. for illuminating a surface
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 1/14 Supports; Fastening devices; Arrangements for mounting thermometers in particular locations
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 2207/06 for preparation purposes

Abstract

A multi function thermometer is provided which operates to display temperatures sensed by one or more temperature sensors. The thermometer comprises a thermometer housing and a temperature probe engaged to the housing, the probe being translatable between a first stowed position and a second deployed position. An infrared temperature reader element is also engaged to the housing, and operative to sense the temperature of objects remote from the housing, within a field of view of the infrared reader element. A temperature display is connected to the retractable probe and to the infrared temperature reader element. The display is operative to display temperatures sensed by the retractable probe and/or the infrared reader element.

Claims

1. A multi function thermometer comprising:

a thermometer housing;

a temperature probe engaged to the housing, the probe being translatable between a first stowed position and a second deployed position;

an infrared temperature reader element engaged to the housing and operative to sense the temperature of objects remote from the housing, within a field of view of the infrared reader element;

a temperature display connected to the retractable probe and to the infrared temperature reader element, the display being operative to display temperatures sensed by the retractable probe and/or by the infrared reader element; and

a probe release mechanism for releasing the probe from the stowed position and for communicating a signal that indicates position of the probe to the display.

2. The multi function thermometer set forth in claim 1 further comprising a laser pointer connected to the housing, proximate the infrared temperature reader element, the laser pointer being operative to illuminate an object remote from the thermometer, within the infrared temperature reader element field of view.

3. The multi function thermometer as set forth in claim 2 further comprising a switch for powering the infrared reader element, the laser pointer, and the display, to display temperatures sensed by the infrared reader element.

7. The multi function thermometer as recited in claim 1 further comprising a magnet connected to the housing, for securing the housing to a metallic surface.

8. The multi function thermometer as set forth in claim 1 wherein the display comprises a first display portion for displaying a temperature sensed by the infrared reader element, and a second display portion for displaying the temperature sensed by the temperature probe.

9. The multi function thermometer as set forth in claim 1 wherein the display transitions from a single display to a dual display in response to activation of the probe release mechanism.

10. The multi function thermometer as set forth in claim 1 wherein the display transitions from a dual display to a single display in response to retraction of the probe release mechanism.

11. The multi function thermometer as set forth in claim 1 wherein the display transitions from a single display to a dual display in response to activation of the infrared reader element.

4. The multi function thermometer as set forth in 1 wherein the probe release mechanism is operative to enable power to the probe and the display of temperature readings sensed by the probe in response to the signal.

5. The multi function thermometer as set forth in claim 4 wherein the probe is manually translatable between the stowed position and the deployed position.

6. The multi function thermometer set forth in claim 5 wherein the probe release mechanism is operative to enable display of temperatures sensed by the probe, in response to translation of the probe between the stowed position and the deployed position.