GB2262344A

GB2262344A - A temperature measuring system

Info

Publication number: GB2262344A
Application number: GB9126484A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen Henry Zeal; Anthony William Locke Mandy
Original assignee: ZEAL HOLDINGS Ltd
Current assignee: ZEAL HOLDINGS Ltd
Priority date: 1991-12-13
Filing date: 1991-12-13
Publication date: 1993-06-16
Anticipated expiration: 2011-12-13
Also published as: GB2262344B; GB9126484D0

Abstract

A temperature measuring system comprises at least one first component (10) which is adapted, for example by being provided with adhesive (20), to be secured at a location so as to sense temperature at the location, and a second component (27) which is removably connectable with a socket (17) of the first component (10) so as to record the temperature sensed by the or each first component (10). The arrangement is particularly suitable for measuring temperature at a plurality of locations using a corresponding number of first components (10), each of which contains a thermistor connected to contacts (15, 16) in the socket (17). The movable component (27) has mating contacts (28, 29) and a plug (25) for connecting to a recording and display unit (Figs 1, 2 not shown). A number of different designs for the units (10) are illustrated. <IMAGE>

Description

A Temperature Measuring System This invention relates to a temperature measuring system.

It is known to provide a system for measuring temperature at different locations and to record electronically data received at each of the locations. Apparatus for measuring temperature at a location generally comprises a temperature responsive transducer which provides signals indicative of temperature. The transducer is moved sequentially from one location to another and at each location the signals indicative of temperature are recorded.

A disadvantage of such a system is that accurate data can only be obtained if the transducer is positioned at each location for some time, the so called response time, to ensure that the transducer records the actual temperature at the location. The delay caused by allowing for response time at each of a number of locations at which temperature is to be measured means that the system is time consuming to carry out. Alternatively, data obtained from such a system often is unreliable because insufficient time has been allowed for the response time at the locations.

It is desirable, therefore, to provide a temperature measuring system which avoids the delay in response time and possible errors arising from allowing insufficient response time in taking the temperature at each of a plurality of locations. Furthermore, it is desirable to provide means for indicating to a user that saturated temperature has been reached, there being no known means available for providing such information.

According to the present invention, there is provided a temperature measuring system comprising a first transducer for sensing temperature at a location and a second transducer for receiving signals from the first transducer wherein the second transducer is adapted to be removably connected to the first transducer so that the first transducer remains at the location when the second transducer is removed therefrom.

Therefore, the present invention differs from systems known hitherto in that the first transducer, being a temperature sensor, is a detachable component and is not integral with a hand held display. Furthermore, the first transducer is constructed so that the sensor is exposed to the environment.

In effect, a plurality of first transducers would be provided each for a corresponding one of the locations and each would be maintained in situ at a corresponding location and would, therefore, continuously sense the temperature at the location. Therefore, the response time when the second transducer is temporarily connected to a first transducer would be negligible.

Following is a description, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, of one method of carrying the invention into effect.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a plan view of a data processor of one embodiment of a temperature measuring system in accordance with the present invention, Figure 2 is a view of the processor in the direction of the arrow A of Figure 1, Figure 3 is an elevation of a probe, cable and plug for connection with the processor, Figure 4 is a plan view of one embodiment of a temperature responsive transducer in accordance with the present invention, Figure 5 is a view in the direction of the arrow B in Figure 4, Figure 6 is a plan view of another embodiment of a temperature responsive transducer in accordance with the present invention, Figure 7 is a view in the direction of the arrow C in Figure 6, Figure 8 is a plan view of another embodiment of a temperature responsive transducer in accordance with the present invention, Figure 9 is an elevation of the embodiment shown in Figure 8, Figure 10 is a plan view of another embodiment of a temperature responsive transducer in accordance with the present invention, and Figure 11 is an elevation of the embodiment shown in Figure 10.

Referring now to Figures 1 to 5 of the drawings, there is shown an embodiment of a temperature measuring system comprising a plurality of temperature responsive transducers one of which is shown at 10 each intended to be positioned at a corresponding one of a plurality of locations. Each transducer 10 comprises a housing 11 having an upper surface 12 and a lower surface 13, the upper surface 12 having an aperture 14. The housing contains a thermistor (not shown) connected to two contact plates 15, 16 located in a socket 17 which is received in the aperture 14. The socket 17 includes a wall 18 of insulating material which separates the plates 15, 16 one from another.The lower surface 13 is provided with a spacer 19 of insulating material having an adhesive coating 20 on a lower surface thereof whereby the transducer 10 may be attached to surface at a selected location.

The temperature measuring system also comprises a portable hand held data processor 21 having a display 22 and an input socket 23. Power is supplied by a battery 24 carried in the processor 21.

The socket 23 is adapted to receive a plug 25 secured at one end of a cable 26 the other end of which is connected to a probe 27.

The probe 27 is provided with two projecting contacts 28, 29 spaced one from another by a gap 30. The arrangement is such that the probe 27 is releasably connectable with any one of the transducers 10 by inserting the projecting contacts 28, 29 in the socket 17 such that the wall 18 of the socket is received in the gap 30 of the probe 27.

When the projecting contacts 28, 29 are received in the socket 17, each of the contacts 28, 29 is firmly in engagement with a corresponding one of the contact plates 15, 16 of the socket 17.

The temperature measuring system is operative when the transducers 10 are each positioned at a corresponding one of a plurality of locations by securing each transducer 10 to a surface at the location by means of the adhesive 20.

The thermistor of each transducer 10 is at a ready state for providing signals indicative of ambient temperature and this is facilitated by the presence of the insulated spacer 19 which provides a standoff for the transducer 10 relative to the surface to which it is attached thereby providing an air gap between the transistor 10 and the surface so that air flows freely around the transducer 10.

When it is required to take a reading of the temperature at any location, the plug 25 which is connected to the probe 27 by the cable 26 is inserted into the socket 23 of the processor 21 and the probe 27 is connected to the transducer 10 at the location by inserting the contacts 28, 29 into the socket 17 of the transducer 10. Signals indicative of ambient temperature at the location are transmitted instantaneously from the transducer 10 through the probe 27 and the cable 26 to the processor 21 and the measurement is indicated at the display 22 of the processor 21. The processor 21 may be provided with storage capacity and a keyboard whereby the data may be recorded in the processor 21. The probe then is removed from the socket 17 of the transducer 10 and the process is repeated with one or more transducers 10 positioned at other locations.

Referring now to Figures 6 and 7 of the drawings, there is shown another embodiment of a transducer 31 comprising a housing 32 having an upper surface 33 and a lower surface 34 and having a recess 35 in the upper surface 33. The recess 35 has received therein a socket 36 which is similar to the socket 17 of the transducer 10 andsincludes a pair of contact plates 37, 38 connected to a thermistor.

(not shown). The lower surface 34 is provided with an integral bush 39 in which is secured an end portion of an elongate stainless steel lance 40. The lance 40 is connected to the thermistor so as to record ambient temperature of any body in which the lance 40 is inserted.

The transducer 31 would be suitable for measuring temperature of food, such as cheese, into which the lance 40 has been inserted.

Referring now to Figures 8 and 9 of the drawings, there is shown a transducer 41 comprising a rectangular elongate flexible strap 42 through which extends longitudinally a plurality of spaced parallel conductors (not shown). The strap 42 is provided at one end portion thereof with a housing 43 having an upper surface 44 provided with an aperture 45. The aperture 45 has received therein a socket 46 similar to the socket 17 of the transducer 10 containing a pair of contact plates 47, 38. The contact plates 47, 48 are connected in circuit with a thermistor which is also connected in circuit with the conductors extending through the strap 42.

The transducer 41 is suitable for insertion through spacing between stacked articles, the minimal thickness of the strap compared with the length thereof combined with the flexible characteristics thereof providing a facility for accommodating irregular passageways between stacked articles. The ambient temperature of air surrounding the conductors extending through the strap 42 is sensed by the thermistor of the transducer 41.

Referring now to Figures 10 and 11 of the drawings, there is shown a transducer 49 comprising a pair of stainless steel rectangular plates 50, 51. The plate 50 comprises a socket which is similar in configuration to the socket 17 of the transducer 10 except that it is of reduced thickness compared with the socket 17 and includes a pair of contact plates 52, 53 mounted on a bed 54 of insulating material. The plate 51 has mounted thereon a thermistor 55 which is connected to the contact plates 52, 53 by means of a flexible cable 56. Each of the plates 50, 51 is provided with a plurality of prongs 57 for securing the plates 50, 51 at a location.

The transducer 41 is intended for use in circumstances where temperatures to be recorded are at a location which is inaccessible. In such circumstances, the plate 51 would be mounted at the desired location for measurement of temperature and the plate 50 would be located at a remote location where access to the contact plates 52, 53 is easily facilitated when it is required to insert the probe 27 to record data in the data processor 21.

It will be appreciated that signals from each of the transducers 10, 31, 41 and 49 would be retrieved by means of the data processor 21 and the probe 27.

It will also be appreciated that the processor 21 may be provided with circuitry which would result in indication at the display 22 not only of temperature but time recorded and transducer identity. The processor 21 may also be adapted to transfer signals to other data processing equipment, such as a temperature logging system.

Claims

1. A temperature measuring system comprising a first transducer for sensing temperature at a location and a second transducer for receiving signals from the first transducer wherein the second transducer is adapted to be removably connected to the first transducer so that the first transducer remains at the location when the second transducer is removed therefrom.

2. A system as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the first transducer comprises a plurality of contact surfaces and insulating means between adjacent said surfaces.

3. A system as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the insulating means extends upwardly beyond a plane containing said surfaces.

4. A system as claimed in Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein the said surfaces are located on a carrier.

5. A system as claimed in Claim 4 wherein the carrier is provided with means for spacing the carrier from a surface for supporting the carrier at a location.

6. A system as claimed in Claim 4 wherein the carrier is provided with an elongate conductor.

7. A system as claimed in Claim 6 wherein the conductor is of rigid material.

8. A system as claimed in Claim 6 wherein the carrier is an elongate flexible member and the conductor extends longitudinally of the carrier.

9. A system as claimed in any one of Claims 2 to 6 wherein there is provided a temperature sensor remote from said contact surfaces and a conductor connecting the sensor with the surfaces.

10. A system as claimed in Claim 9 wherein the sensor is mounted on a support and the support is provided with means for securing the support at a location.

11. A temperature measuring system substantially as hereinbefore described and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, or Figures 6 and 7, or Figures 8 and 9 or Figures 10 and 11 of the accompanying drawings.