US3767470A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Thermally compensated heat flow sensors
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-09-20
•
Granted: 1973-10-23
•
Expires: 1991-09-20
Abstract
Abstract A thermally compensated heat flow sensor having n, unitary, planar, thermoelectric elements arranged to produce n-1 thermoelectric junctions where the number of elements ''''n'''' is an odd number of five or more. The Thermoelectric junctions can be arranged in series, parallel, or combinational configurations. Various geometrics are used to produce a substantially planar sensor having a very high junction density per unit area. At least three dissimilar thermoelectric materials are employed to provide thermal compensation.
Inventors
- 👤 F Hines
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 16:51
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01K; G01K17/00; G01K7/00; G01K7/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
8 words
first, second and third thermoelectrically dissimilar thermoelectric elements;
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
31 words
The heat flow sensor of claim 1 further characterized by said thermoelectric elements being series connected to form n-1 thermoelectric junctions where n is an odd number of five or more.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The heat flow sensor of claim 2 wherein said first, second and third thermoelectrically dissimilar thermoelectric elements comprise, copper, constantan and chromel, respectively.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
64 words
means for serially connecting said elements to form a plurality of thermoelectric junctions, said thermoelectric elements being connected in the following order: first-to-second, second-to-third, third-to-second, and second-to-first, with the first-to-second and third-to-second connections being positioned at said first thermal level and forming plus-to-minus thermoelectric junctions and with the second-to-third and second-to-first connections being positioned at said second thermal level and forming minus-to-plus thermoelectric junctions;
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
10 words
output means electrically connected to said first thermoelectric elements; and,
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The heat flow sensor of claim 3 wherein said n-1 thermoelectric junctions comprise substantially two-thirds copper and constantan junction pairs and substantially one-third chromel and constantan junction pairs.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The heat flow sensor of claim 1 wherein said thermoelectric elements are each unitary and planar.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
wherein the combination of the thermal barrier means and the first and second thermoelectric elements and the combination of the thermal barrier means and the second and third thermoelectric elements have opposite temperature coefficients.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The heat flow sensor of claim 5 wherein said thermoelectric elements are edge welded at each thermoelectric junction.
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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) | 1976-10-22 | 1977-04-23 | 1977-10-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-10-22 | 1981-04-23 | 1981-10-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-10-22 | 1985-04-23 | 1985-10-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |