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USRE30735E Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Automatic thermocouple reference junction compensator

Assignee: Boeing Co
•
Filing: 1980-06-09
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Granted: 1981-09-08
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Expires: 2000-06-09
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Abstract

Abstract A system for automatic cold-junction referencing of thermocouples in temperature controllers wherein a differential amplifier is used to amplify the thermocouple signal prior to establishing the cold-junction compensation and measuring range. This permits the use of command signals from any floating or single-ended source, making the controller compatible with existing traditional command generators and with computer systems with digital-to-analog converters. The amplifier isolates the thermocouple from the remainder of the circuitry such that it can be grounded on the heated part.

Inventors

  • 👤 Eugene T. Ihlenfeldt
  • 👤 David E. Marshall

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-10-28 20:48
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01K; G01K7/00; G01K7/02; G01K7/10; G01K7/12; G01K7/13

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim 151 words
Temperature measuring apparatus comprising a measuring thermocouple adapted to be placed in contact with an object whose temperature is to be measured, thermocouple reference junction means connected in series-opposition with said measuring thermocouple, .[.a.]. temperature compensation .[.resistor.]. .Iadd.means .Iaddend.whose .[.resistivity.]. .Iadd.output signal .Iaddend.varies as a function of ambient temperature, first and second differential amplifiers each having a pair of input terminals, ungrounded conductors connecting said measuring thermocouple and said reference junction means across the input terminals of said first differential amplifier, a source of bias voltage, and means .[.connecting said source of.]. .Iadd.for applying said .Iaddend.bias voltage, the output .Iadd.signal .Iaddend.of said first differential amplifier, said .Iadd.output signal of said .Iaddend.compensation .[.resistor.]. .Iadd.means .Iaddend.and a temperature command signal to one of the input terminals of said second differential amplifier, the other input terminal of said second differential amplifier.[., said source of bias voltage and said compensation resistor.]. being connected to ground.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 151 words
Temperature measuring apparatus comprising a measuring thermocouple adapted to be placed in contact with an object whose temperature is to be measured, thermocouple reference junction means connected in series-opposition with said measuring thermocouple, .[.a.]. temperature compensation .[.resistor.]. .Iadd.means .Iaddend.whose .[.resistivity.]. .Iadd.output signal .Iaddend.varies as a function of ambient temperature, first and second differential amplifiers each having a pair of input terminals, ungrounded conductors connecting said measuring thermocouple and said reference junction means across the input terminals of said first differential amplifier, a source of bias voltage, and means .[.connecting said source of.]. .Iadd.for applying said .Iaddend.bias voltage, the output .Iadd.signal .Iaddend.of said first differential amplifier, said .Iadd.output signal of said .Iaddend.compensation .[.resistor.]. .Iadd.means .Iaddend.and a temperature command signal to one of the input terminals of said second differential amplifier, the other input terminal of said second differential amplifier.[., said source of bias voltage and said compensation resistor.]. being connected to ground.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 46 words
The measuring apparatus of claim 1 wherein said compensation .[.resistor.]. .Iadd.means .Iaddend.is connected in series with a .[.second.]. resistor across a source of direct current voltage, the junction of said .[.resistors.]. .Iadd.resistor and said compensation means .Iaddend.being connected to the input of said second differential amplifier.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 32 words
The measuring apparatus of claim 1 wherein said thermocouple reference junction means and said temperature compensation .[.resistor.]. .Iadd.means .Iaddend.are in close proximity to each other such that their temperatures are the same.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 27 words
The measuring apparatus of claim 3 including impedance means connecting the output of said second differential amplifier to said one input terminal of the second differential amplifier.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

US3921453A Cited
US4120201A Cited

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1984-09-07 1985-03-09 1985-09-08 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 1988-09-07 1989-03-09 1989-09-08 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 1992-09-07 1993-03-09 1993-09-08 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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