Patent US5686779A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5686779A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
High sensitivity temperature sensor and sensor array
Assignee: United States Department of the Army
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Filing: 1995-03-01
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Granted: 1997-11-11
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Expires: 2015-03-01
Abstract
Abstract A highly sensitive thermal sensor is disclosed which uses a thermally isolated, thermometer cut quartz microresonator that is configured to be exposed to a radiant energy source.
Inventors
- 👤 John R. Vig
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 18:43
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01K; G01K7/00; G01K7/32; G01J; G01J5/00; G01J5/38; G01J5/44
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
A highly sensitive radiant energy sensor comprising: a microresonator having an orientation and cut such that the microresonator has a frequency versus temperature characteristic which has a steep slope and is monotonic, wherein at least one major face of the microresonator is exposed to radiant energy; means to electrically excite the microresonator to produce an output frequency such that changes in radiant energy incident to the microresonator vary the output frequency; and means to thermally isolate the microresonator, wherein the means to thermally isolate the microresonator includes a plurality of concentric low thermal conductance rings and a plurality of sets of bridges each set of bridges connecting and supporting a selected pair of concentric rings.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
115 words
A highly sensitive radiant energy sensor comprising: a microresonator having an orientation and cut such that the microresonator has a frequency versus temperature characteristic which has a steep slope and is monotonic, wherein at least one major face of the microresonator is exposed to radiant energy; means to electrically excite the microresonator to produce an output frequency such that changes in radiant energy incident to the microresonator vary the output frequency; and means to thermally isolate the microresonator, wherein the means to thermally isolate the microresonator includes a plurality of concentric low thermal conductance rings and a plurality of sets of bridges each set of bridges connecting and supporting a selected pair of concentric rings.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The radiant energy sensor of claim 1 wherein each set of bridges includes three bridges which are spaced apart by approximately 120°.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
106 words
A highly sensitive radiant energy sensor comprising: a microresonator having an orientation and cut such that the microresonator has a frequency versus temperature characteristic which has a steep slope and is monotonic, wherein at least one major face of the microresonator is exposed to radiant energy; and means to electrically excite the microresonator to produce an output frequency such that changes in radiant energy incident to the microresonator vary the output frequency, wherein the means to excite the microresonator includes thickness field electrodes in the shape of separated concentric rings which are disposed around the microresonator with interconnecting conductors electrically connecting and supporting the concentric rings.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
106 words
A highly sensitive radiant energy sensor comprising: a microresonator having an orientation and cut such that the microresonator has a frequency versus temperature characteristic which has a steep slope and is monotonic, wherein at least one major face of the microresonator is exposed to radiant energy; and means to electrically excite the microresonator to produce an output frequency such that changes in radiant energy incident to the microresonator vary the output frequency, wherein the means to excite the microresonator includes thickness field electrodes in the shape of separated concentric rings which are disposed around the microresonator with interconnecting conductors electrically connecting and supporting the concentric rings.
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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) | 2000-11-10 | 2001-05-12 | 2001-11-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-11-10 | 2005-05-12 | 2005-11-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-11-10 | 2009-05-12 | 2009-11-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |