Other

Telatemp Corp.

Ivac Corporation

Charles E Everest

David G Matsuura

Dennis M Lanci

Michael P DeFrank

Graham K Walker

A conventional infrared thermometer is equipped with a visible light source having exactly the same size and shape as the infrared detector to illuminate the target so as to visibly identify the area to be thermally measured. The light source is judiciously positioned within the system so as to make the images of the detector and the source formed by achromatic zooming optics coincide on the target surface. As a result, the exact location and dimensions of the target area under test are precisely identified and the system can perform errorless measurements of targets located at variable distances from the thermometer. Alternatively, the system is enabled to errorlessly measure the same target with variable spatial resolution.

Infrared thermometer with through-the-lens visible targeting system

A disposable cone channel insertion probe is adapted for use in combination with an infrared thermometer. The probe has a generally frusto-conical hollow body portion, an inner reflective surface, and a flange projecting radially outward from the rearward end of the probe. The infrared thermometer also includes a mechanism for retaining the probe and optics for further focusing and collimating the infrared light from the probe to an infrared sensor.

Disposable infrared thermometer insertion probe

Handheld infrared thermometer

The infrared thermometer optical chopper includes a planar shutter having infrared radiation transmissive and infrared reflective portions arranged on the shutter, and a mechanism for rotating the shutter sequentially through a series of stop positions in which the transmissive and reflective portions are sequentially aligned with the internal optics of the infrared thermometer. A mechanism is also preferably provided for sensing the positioning of the shutter at the stop positions, to determine whether the shutter stop position alignment is in an infrared radiation transmissive phase or in an infrared radiation reflective phase.

Optical chopper for infrared thermometer

A sighting system primarily for use with infrared thermometers and that provides a visible light beam, the geometry of which is congruent with the field of view of the infrared optics of the thermometer to provide the user with an accurate representation of the intersection of the field of view cross-section of the object of which the temperature is being measured by the thermometer. Two novel embodiments are disclosed, one of which utilizes Fresnel lenses and one of which utilizes a Cassegrainian lens system. Both embodiments provide means for accommodating an isolated visible light source and passage of the visible light generated therefrom through the identical lens system used by the infrared detector to develop the signal indicative of the infrared energy and therefore temperature generated by the object to which the infrared thermometer is directed.

Intra-optical light beam sighting system for an infrared thermometer

An infrared thermometer primarily for agricultural applications utilizes an additional infrared sensor oriented for detection of sky radiation to compensate for reflection of sky radiation from the plant or other object to which the thermometer is directed. Preferably implemented in a gunlike, hand-held instrument, the invention utilizes a potentiometer for adjusting the signal level derived from a wide-angle, sky-directed sensor to account for changes in plant reflectivity characteristics. The adjusted signal is then summed with the signal derived from the conventional object-directed sensor to produce a composite signal which is applied to a meter-like device for display of object temperature with improved accuracy.

Infrared temperature monitoring apparatus having means for sky radiation

A temperature measuring apparatus or device for measuring the temperature of an object or a series of closely adjacent objects through the measurement of relative infrared radiation is normally referred to as an infrared thermometer. Known infrared thermometers can be modified so as to be useful in making stress-degree measurements as are needed in determining when plants or crops should be watered or irrigated by including within such devices a temperature detector capable of providing an electrical signal. Such modified thermometers include a circuit which relates the signal produced by the temperature detector to the signal produced by the infrared radiation detector used in such a device so as to display the difference between the temperature detected by the infrared detector used and the temperature detected by the temperature detector.

Infrared thermometer in making stress-degree measurements for irrigation

Radiation pyrometer

An electrically powered instrument having a handle which is adapted to be engaged by the hand of a user during the utilization of the instrument can include a switch-type structure which is actuated by the mere engagement of the hand with the handle without any physical or mechanical motion occurring. The switch includes electrodes extending along the handle which are electrically insulated from one another and which are located in such a manner that they are electrically connected through the user's hand when the hand engages the handle. The switch also includes a power source or supply for applying a voltage between the electrodes and a discriminating or detection structure for detecting the change in the electrical resistance between the electrodes occurring either when the handle is engaged by the hand of the user or when the handle is released by the hand of the user. The discriminating or detection structure serves to 'release' power so as to operate to turn on the instrument when the electrodes are connected by the hand of the user.

Switch

A movable instrument intended for utilization in detecting a difference which is capable of being optically detected between adjacent locations can be constructed so as to include an optical sensor for producing an output which is proportional to the difference between various locations and an illumination source operatively connected to the optical sensor for providing a level of brightness which is proportional to the output of the optical sensor. Such an instrument is preferably a device which is used in determining the temperature of a surface. When the invention is utilized in conjunction with such an instrument the apparent intensity of the light emitted from the illumination source provides a convenient analog indicator facilitating the instrument being pointed at either the hottest or coldest portion of the surface.

Growing community of inventors

Santa Ana, CA, United States of America

Charles E Everest