US4840496A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Noncontact temperature pattern measuring device
Assignee: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Filing: 1988-02-23
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Granted: 1989-06-20
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Expires: 2008-02-23
Abstract
Abstract Laser pyrometer techniques are utilized to accurately image a true temperature distribution on a given target without touching the target and without knowing the localized emissivity of the target. The pyrometer utilizes a very high definition laser beam and photodetector, both having a very narrow focus. The pyrometer is mounted in a mechanism designed to permit the pyrometer to be aimed and focused at precise localized points on the target surface. The pyrometer is swept over the surface area to be imaged, temperature measurements being taken at each point of focus.
Inventors
- 👤 Daniel D. Elleman
- 👤 James L. Allen
- 👤 Mark C. Lee
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 10:27
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01J; G01J5/00; G01J5/02; G01J5/04; G01J5/047; G01J2005/0077
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
159 words
A noncontact temperature pattern measuring device for providing the true temperature distribution for a remotely located surface area, said measuring device comprising: a laser pyrometer means including a high resolution photodetector positioned to receive thermal radiation from said remotely located surface area, a high resolution laser for eradiating a portion of said remotely located surface, and means for detecting at least a portion of the laser signal reflected from said remotely located surface for determining the emissivity of the surface region reflecting the laser signal and compensating the value of thermal radiance for said emissivity; means for focusing the laser signal, the response of the photodetector to thermal radiation and the response of the laser signal detecting means on a small precise point on the remotely located surface area; and means for scanning the focused condition created by said focusing means across the entire remotely located surface area, thereby producing a true temperature measurement at each point of focus.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
159 words
A noncontact temperature pattern measuring device for providing the true temperature distribution for a remotely located surface area, said measuring device comprising: a laser pyrometer means including a high resolution photodetector positioned to receive thermal radiation from said remotely located surface area, a high resolution laser for eradiating a portion of said remotely located surface, and means for detecting at least a portion of the laser signal reflected from said remotely located surface for determining the emissivity of the surface region reflecting the laser signal and compensating the value of thermal radiance for said emissivity; means for focusing the laser signal, the response of the photodetector to thermal radiation and the response of the laser signal detecting means on a small precise point on the remotely located surface area; and means for scanning the focused condition created by said focusing means across the entire remotely located surface area, thereby producing a true temperature measurement at each point of focus.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The noncontact temperature pattern measuring device of claim 1 wherein said means for focusing comprises an optical lens system.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
The noncontact temperature pattern measuring device of claim 2 wherein said scanning means comprises means for electronically scanning the focus of the focusing means through the field of view of the optical lens system.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
The noncontact temperature pattern measuring device of claim 2 wherein said scanning means comprises means for moving the laser pyrometer along two perpendicular directions of travel, at the same time or along one direction at a time.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
49 words
The noncontact temperature pattern measuring device of claim 2 wherein said scanning means comprises means for moving the laser pyrometer along three perpendicular directions of travel at the same time, along one direction of travel at a time, or along any two perpendicular directions of travel at a time.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The noncontact temperature pattern measuring device of claim 2 wherein said scanning means comprises means for moving the laser pyrometer along one direction of travel.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
53 words
The noncontact temperature pattern measuring device of claim 2 wherein said remotely located surface area is symmetrical and being rotated about its central axis; and said scanning means comprises means for moving the laser pyrometer along one direction of travel parallel to the central axis of rotation of the remotely located surface area.
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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) | 1992-06-19 | 1992-12-19 | 1993-06-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-06-19 | 1996-12-19 | 1997-06-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-06-19 | 2000-12-19 | 2001-06-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |