US3726141A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fast-response two-phase thermometer
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-04-02
•
Granted: 1973-04-10
•
Expires: 1991-04-02
Abstract
Abstract A thermometer having a first low boiling point or thermallyexpansive fluid within a probe and a second relatively incompressible fluid at the thermometer calibrations, the first fluid and the second fluid being in pressure communication with each other through an intermediate elastomeric or porous medium such as a diaphragm or a multiple capillary porcelain plug. Vapor pressure or thermal expansion of the first fluid in response to the temperature of the probe environment will move the second fluid proportionately through a calibrated capillary bore whereby the temperature-related pressure of the first fluid may be read in calibrations of temperature. In a preferred embodiment the first fluid is a gas or gas-liquid equilibrium and the second fluid is a substantially incompressible liquid.
Inventors
- 👤 N Bremer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 14:31
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01K; G01K11/00; G01K11/02; G01K11/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 29
Claim 1
Independent Claim
191 words
A thermometer, comprising: a. a thermally conductive sensing bulb; b. a first fluid, said first fluid being at least partially enclosed in said thermally conductive sensing bulb; c. a temperature-calibrated scale; d. a second fluid, said scale being readable in accordance with the position of said second fluid; e. fluid separating and pressure transmitting means, said means being situated between and in communication with said first and said second fluids, the position of said second fluid being determined by pressure exerted thereon by said first fluid acting through said means in consequence of thermal expansion or degree of vapor pressure of said first fluid, or contraction or degree of condensation of vapor of said first fluid; f. said fluid separating and pressure transmitting means comprising a membrane, said first fluid being in communication with another side of said membrane; and g. a capillary tube, said second fluid being at least partially enclosed within said capillary tube, h. said membrane being secured between said thermally conductive sensing bulb and said capillary tube at least partially in spaced relation to said thermally-conductive sensing bulb forming a first reservoir therebetween for said first fluid.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
191 words
A thermometer, comprising: a. a thermally conductive sensing bulb; b. a first fluid, said first fluid being at least partially enclosed in said thermally conductive sensing bulb; c. a temperature-calibrated scale; d. a second fluid, said scale being readable in accordance with the position of said second fluid; e. fluid separating and pressure transmitting means, said means being situated between and in communication with said first and said second fluids, the position of said second fluid being determined by pressure exerted thereon by said first fluid acting through said means in consequence of thermal expansion or degree of vapor pressure of said first fluid, or contraction or degree of condensation of vapor of said first fluid; f. said fluid separating and pressure transmitting means comprising a membrane, said first fluid being in communication with another side of said membrane; and g. a capillary tube, said second fluid being at least partially enclosed within said capillary tube, h. said membrane being secured between said thermally conductive sensing bulb and said capillary tube at least partially in spaced relation to said thermally-conductive sensing bulb forming a first reservoir therebetween for said first fluid.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
A thermometer in accordance with claim 1, wherein said membrane comprises a flexible bulb.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
A thermometer in accordance with claim 1, wherein said membrane comprises a flexible diaphragm.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
A thermometer in accordance with claim 1, wherein said membrane comprises a glass diaphragm.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
A thermometer in accordance with claim 4, wherein said glass diaphragm is convoluted.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
A thermometer in accordance with claim 4, wherein said glass diaphragm is annularly convoluted.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
A thermometer in accordance with claim 4, wherein said glass diaphragm is bonded to the container for said first fluid and to the container for said second fluid.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
A thermometer in accordance with claim 1, wherein said membrane comprises a metal diaphragm.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
152 words
A thermometer, comprising: a. a thermally-conductive sensing bulb; b. a first fluid, said first fluid being at least partially enclosed in said thermally conductive sensing bulb; c. a temperature-calibrated scale; d. a second fluid, said scale being readable in accordance with the position of said second fluid; and e. fluid separating and pressure transmitting means, said means being situated between and in communication with said first and said second fluids, the position of said second fluid being determined by pressure exerted thereon by said first fluid acting through said means in consequence of thermal expansion or degree of vapor pressure of said first fluid, or contraction or degree of condensation of vapor of said first fluid; f. said fluid separating and pressure transmitting means comprising a porous medium, said first fluid permeating said medium from a first direction and said second fluid permeating said medium from a second and substantially opposite direction.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
152 words
A thermometer, comprising: a. a thermally-conductive sensing bulb; b. a first fluid, said first fluid being at least partially enclosed in said thermally conductive sensing bulb; c. a temperature-calibrated scale; d. a second fluid, said scale being readable in accordance with the position of said second fluid; and e. fluid separating and pressure transmitting means, said means being situated between and in communication with said first and said second fluids, the position of said second fluid being determined by pressure exerted thereon by said first fluid acting through said means in consequence of thermal expansion or degree of vapor pressure of said first fluid, or contraction or degree of condensation of vapor of said first fluid; f. said fluid separating and pressure transmitting means comprising a porous medium, said first fluid permeating said medium from a first direction and said second fluid permeating said medium from a second and substantially opposite direction.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
A thermometer in accordance with claim 9, wherein said porous medium comprises a ceramic plug incorporating a plurality of capillary holes.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
A thermometer in accordance with claim 9, wherein said porous medium comprises a fiber plug.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
A thermometer in accordance with claim 9, wherein said porous medium comprises a phenolic resin with a plurality of capillary holes.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
A thermometer in accordance with claim 9, wherein said porous medium comprises a single capillary bore.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
67 words
A thermometer in accordance with claim 9, additionally comprising: a. a capillary tube, said second fluid being at least partially enclosed within said capillary tube; and b. an extension shell, said extension shell being disposed between anD in fluidic communication with said thermally-conductive sensing bulb on the one hand and said capillary tube on the other hand; c. said porous medium being contained within said extension shell.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
42 words
A thermometer in accordance with claim 9, wherein: the length of said porous medium is at least as large as the linear excursion of said first fluid from minimum pressure to maximum pressure as determined by the anticipated range of temperature measurement.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
28 words
A thermometer in accordance with claim 1, wherein said first fluid comprises liquid the boiling point of which is not higher than the temperature range to be measured.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
13 words
A thermometer in accordance with claim 1, wherein said first fluid comprises freon-12.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
15 words
A thermometer in accordance with claim 1, wherein said first fluid comprises an expansible fluid.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
14 words
A thermometer in accordance with claim 18, wherein said first fluid comprises carbon tetrachloride.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
13 words
A thermometer in accordance with claim 18, wherein said first fluid comprises alcohol.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
13 words
A thermometer in accordance with claim 1, wherein said second fluid comprises mercury.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
20 words
A thermometer in accordance with claim 1, wherein said temperature-calibrated scale comprises a calibrated capillary tube containing said second fluid.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
19 words
A thermometer in accordance with claim 1, wherein said temperature-calibrated scale comprises a gauge actuated by said second fluid.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
40 words
A thermometer in accordance with claim 1, wherein: said membrane is secured at least partially in spaced relation to said capillary tube forming a second reservoir therebetween in communication with the bore of said capillary tube for said second fluid.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
19 words
A thermometer in accordance with claim 1, wherein said thermally conductive sensing bulb is provided with an internal coating.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
20 words
A thermometer in accordance with claim 25, wherein said thermally conductive sensing bulb is metal and said coating is enamel.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
22 words
A thermometer in accordance with claim 25, wherein said thermally conductive sensing bulb is a nickel alloy and said coating is enamel.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-04-09 | 1976-10-09 | 1977-04-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-04-09 | 1980-10-09 | 1981-04-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-04-09 | 1984-10-09 | 1985-04-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |