US5612677A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
System to monitor the temperature of an integrated circuit and to dissipate heat generated thereby
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1995-09-29
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Granted: 1997-03-18
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Expires: 2015-09-29
Abstract
Abstract A system to monitor the temperature of an integrated circuit and to dissipate heat generated thereby includes a heat sink to overlie the integrated circuit. A temperature sensor is located on the heat sink to detect the temperature adjacent the integrated circuit. Temperature signal conditioning circuitry is responsive to the temperature sensor and generates a temperature alarm signal when the temperature at the integrated circuit reaches a threshold level. A fan overlies the heat sink and draws air across and then away from the heat sink to cool it. A pressure transducer is mounted on the fan and detects air flow through the fan. Pressure signal conditioning circuitry is responsive to the pressure transducer and generates a pressure alarm signal when the air flow through the fan falls below a threshold level. Alarms are triggered by the temperature and pressure alarm signals to warn a user.
Inventors
- 👤 Jean-Jerome C. Baudry
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 21:32
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08B; G08B21/00; G08B21/18; G08B21/187; H; H10; H10W; H10W40/00; H10W40/60; H10W40/40; H10W40/43
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 32
Claim 1
Independent Claim
61 words
A temperature monitor for an integrated circuit comprising: a heat sink to overlie an integrated circuit to dissipate heat generated thereby; a temperature sensor on said heat sink to detect the temperature adjacent said integrated circuit; and signal conditioning means responsive to said temperature sensor for generating an alarm signal when the temperature at said integrated circuit reaches a threshold level.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
61 words
A temperature monitor for an integrated circuit comprising: a heat sink to overlie an integrated circuit to dissipate heat generated thereby; a temperature sensor on said heat sink to detect the temperature adjacent said integrated circuit; and signal conditioning means responsive to said temperature sensor for generating an alarm signal when the temperature at said integrated circuit reaches a threshold level.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
A temperature monitor as defined in claim 1 further comprising an alarm responsive to said alarm signal for signifying an alarm condition.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
A temperature monitor as defined in claim 2 wherein said alarm is in the form of an audio and/or visual indicator.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
A temperature monitor as defined in claim 2 wherein said temperature sensor is accommodated in a recess formed in a surface of said heat sink, said surface overlying said integrated circuit.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
48 words
A temperature monitor as defined in claim 2 further comprising a heat conductive plate attached to a surface of said heat sink, said surface overlying said integrated circuit, said plate having a cut-out therein, said temperature sensor being accommodated in said cut-out and being attached to said surface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
66 words
A temperature monitor as defined in claim 2 wherein said signal conditioning means includes an amplifier receiving input from said temperature sensor and a comparator receiving the output of said amplifier and input from a set point circuit, said set point circuit establishing said threshold level, said comparator outputting said alarm signal when the output of said amplifier exceeds the output of said set point circuit.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
A temperature monitor as defined in claim 6 wherein said set point circuit is adjustable.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
A temperature monitor as defined in claim 7 wherein said temperature sensor is in the form of a resistive temperature detector or a thermo-couple.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
A temperature monitor as defined in claim 1 wherein said threshold level is adjustable.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
74 words
A heat dissipator for an integrated circuit comprising: a heat sink overlying an integrated circuit; a fan overlying said heat sink and operable to draw air across and then away from said heat sink to cool the same; a pressure transducer to detect air flow through said fan; and signal conditioning means responsive to said pressure transducer for generating an alarm signal when the air flow through said fan falls below a threshold level.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
74 words
A heat dissipator for an integrated circuit comprising: a heat sink overlying an integrated circuit; a fan overlying said heat sink and operable to draw air across and then away from said heat sink to cool the same; a pressure transducer to detect air flow through said fan; and signal conditioning means responsive to said pressure transducer for generating an alarm signal when the air flow through said fan falls below a threshold level.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
A heat dissipator as defined in claim 10 further comprising an alarm responsive to said alarm signal for signifying an alarm condition.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
A heat dissipator as defined in claim 11 wherein said alarm is in the form of an audio and/or visual indicator.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
40 words
A heat dissipator as defined in claim 11 wherein said fan includes a housing having an aperture formed therethrough, said pressure transducer being mounted on said housing at said aperture and detecting air flow through said fan via said aperture.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
67 words
A heat dissipator as defined in claim 11 wherein said signal conditioning means includes an amplifier receiving input from said pressure transducer and a comparator receiving the output of said amplifier and input from a set point circuit, said set point circuit establishing said threshold level, said comparator outputting said alarm signal when the output of said amplifier falls below the output of said set point circuit.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
15 words
A heat dissipator as defined in claim 14 wherein said set point circuit is adjustable.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
14 words
A heat dissipator as defined in claim 10 wherein said threshold level is adjustable.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
129 words
A system to monitor the temperature of an integrated circuit and to dissipate heat generated thereby comprising: a heat sink to overlie an integrated circuit to dissipate heat generated thereby; a temperature sensor on said heat sink to detect the temperature adjacent said integrated circuit; temperature signal conditioning means responsive to said temperature sensor for generating a temperature alarm signal when the temperature at said integrated circuit reaches a threshold level; a fan overlying said heat sink to draw air across and then away from said heat sink to cool the same; a fan sensor to detect operation of said fan; and fan signal conditioning means responsive to said fan sensor for generating a fan alarm signal when the operation of said fan falls below a desired threshold level.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
129 words
A system to monitor the temperature of an integrated circuit and to dissipate heat generated thereby comprising: a heat sink to overlie an integrated circuit to dissipate heat generated thereby; a temperature sensor on said heat sink to detect the temperature adjacent said integrated circuit; temperature signal conditioning means responsive to said temperature sensor for generating a temperature alarm signal when the temperature at said integrated circuit reaches a threshold level; a fan overlying said heat sink to draw air across and then away from said heat sink to cool the same; a fan sensor to detect operation of said fan; and fan signal conditioning means responsive to said fan sensor for generating a fan alarm signal when the operation of said fan falls below a desired threshold level.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
69 words
A system as defined in claim 17 wherein said fan sensor is in the form of a pressure transducer mounted on said fan to detect air flow through said fan and wherein said fan signal conditioning means is in the form of pressure signal conditioning means responsive to said pressure transducer for generating a pressure alarm signal when the air flow through said fan falls below a threshold level.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
30 words
A system as defined in claim 18 further comprising at least one alarm responsive to at least one of said temperature and pressure alarm signals for signifying an alarm condition.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
24 words
A system as defined in claim 19 wherein said at least one alarm is responsive to both of said temperature and pressure alarm signals.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system as defined in claim 20 further comprising an alarm associated each of said temperature and pressure signal conditioning means.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system as defined in claim 21 wherein said alarms are in the form of an audio and/or visual indicator.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
30 words
A system as defined in claim 22 wherein said temperature sensor is accommodated in a recess formed in a surface of said heat sink, said surface overlying said integrated circuit.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
47 words
A system as defined in claim 22 further comprising a heat conductive plate attached to a surface of said heat sink, said surface overlying said integrated circuit, said plate having a cut-out therein, said temperature sensor being accommodated in said cut-out and being attached to said surface.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
68 words
A system as defined in claim 20 wherein said temperature signal conditioning means includes an amplifier receiving input from said temperature sensor and a comparator receiving the output of said amplifier and input from a set point circuit, said set point circuit establishing said threshold level, said comparator outputting said temperature alarm signal when the output of said amplifier falls below the output of said set point circuit.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
14 words
A system as defined in claim 25 wherein said set point circuit is adjustable.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
39 words
A system as defined in claim 20 wherein said fan includes a housing having an aperture formed therethrough, said pressure transducer being mounted on said housing at said aperture and detecting air flow through said fan via said aperture.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
68 words
A system as defined in claim 27 wherein said pressure signal conditioning means includes an amplifier receiving input from said pressure transducer and a comparator receiving the output of said amplifier and input from a set point circuit, said set point circuit establishing said threshold level, said comparator outputting said pressure alarm signal when the output of said amplifier falls below the output of said set point circuit.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
14 words
A system as defined in claim 28 wherein said set point circuit is adjustable.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-03-17 | 2000-09-16 | 2001-03-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-03-17 | 2004-09-16 | 2005-03-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-03-17 | 2008-09-16 | 2009-03-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |