Surface temperature measuring device with reversible thermochromic film
US4445787A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 5, 1982 |
| Grant date | May 1, 1984 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 5, 2002 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01K1/16
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An array of thermochromic cells is formed along the end portion of a thin, highly conductive blade. Each cell is visually responsive to a critical temperature incrementally different from the critical temperatures of the other cells. The thermochromic array defines a set of temperature ranges, set off by the critical temperatures. The undersurface of the end portion is pressed down into contact with the hot surface of an object of unknown temperature. The contact pressure is established and maintained constant by bending the blade against the surface. The high elastic strength of the blade permits generous bends having high bending moments without creating a permanent set in the blade. Heat from the hot surface flows upward across the contact area and into the interior of the thin blade. The interior increase in temperature uniformly, with minimum pertubation; and the end portion rapidly obtains an equilibrium temperature substantially equal to the temperature of the object surface. Heat transients are minimal because the contact area is very large relative to the extreme thinness, and small thermal mass, of the blade. The array of thermochromic cells on the top surface of the end …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.