This is the generic class for making a determination of either
(1) a characteristic or condition of an object or system utilizing
heating or cooling as a significant part of the test and not provided
for in other classes, or (2) a thermal quantity or condition.
This class also includes circuitry and devices with structure
unique to a thermal measurement or test and not elsewhere provided
for.
(1)
Note. Processes and apparatus are classified together.
SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
A thermal measurement or test made as part of a measurement
elsewhere classifiable, e.g. liquid level or flow, will be classified
with the other measurement. However, a thermal measurement combined
with a separate measurement, so as to provide separate determinations
are classifiable herein. (See Subclass References to the Current
Class, below.)
Substantially all apparatus classes include automatic control
of the apparatus. Such automatic control usually involves some
means to measure or test a condition or change of condition, the
measuring or testing means then operating to control or regulate
the apparatus in accordance with the results of the measurement
or test. For such subject matter, the class appropriate to the
type of apparatus controlled should be investigated.
ORGANIZATION OF THIS CLASS
For the organization of this class, see Subclass References
to the Current Class, below.
SECTION III - SUBCLASS REFERENCES TO THE CURRENT CLASS
through 28 and 43 through 57, Thermal Testing subclasses
provide for determination of either a thermal characteristic of,
or the thermal dependence of a nonthermal characteristic of, a test
specimen. Also included herein is the thermal determination of a
nonthermal property not elsewhere provided for.
through 42, Heat and Heat Flux Measurement subclasses
provide for determination of heat energy, rate of heat transfer,
and other miscellaneous thermodynamic potentials (e.g., enthalpy).
and 209, Specialized Subcombinations subclasses
provide for devices having structure peculiar to thermal measuring
and testing which perfects, but does not perform the determination.
Measuring and Testing, appropriate subclasses for measuring a nonthermal variable
by a thermal measurement, particularly
subclasses 25.01+ for thermal gas analysis; subclasses 61.75 and
61.77 for a heat determination of the content or effect of a constituent
of a liquid mixture; subclass 154 for thermal logging of a formation
in a borehole; subclasses 204.11+ for thermal volume or
rate of flow determination; and subclass 295 for thermal liquid
level determination.
Surgery,
subclass 736 for a diagnostic temperature measuring arrangement
particularly limited by structure to shape of, or placement in or on,
a living body.
Automatic Temperature and Humidity Regulation,
subclasses 2+ for incubator control, and subclass 94 for thermostatic
temperature control with an indicator.
Electrophotography,
subclasses 67+ for controls of fixing, particularly subclass 70
for temperature control of a warm-up or standby mode and subclass
94 for internal machine environment temperature.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter for determining the accuracy, operability,
or operating characteristics of a device responsive to a thermal
condition.
(1)
Note. The calibration may involve either a single value or
plural values including a continuous variation.
(2)
Note. The thermal condition responsive device need not be
a measuring or testing device, e.g. calibration of a thermostat
is classifiable in this subclass.
(3)
Note. A measuring or testing device having a reference or
calibrating element or subsystem is classified with the measuring
or testing device.
Electrophotography,
subclasses 67+ for controls of fixing, particularly subclass 70
for temperature control of a warm-up or standby mode and subclass
94 for internal machine environment temperature.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein a reference thermal condition is
thermal radiation given off from a radiating element.
(1)
Note. Such an element would include a blackened element adjacent
a radiation transmitting element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein the reference thermal condition is
a thermal parameter of a controlled temperature liquid bath.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter for testing a solid material for a defect
or undesired passage of fluent material therethrough.
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter wherein heat is applied to or extracted from
the solid material to permit detection of a thermal anomaly.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter for determining an angle or distance by measuring
a thermal property which varies therewith.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter for determining the ability of an object
to radiate energy in accordance with its temperature.
(1)
Note. Such a determination often includes heating the sample.
for measuring total radiant energy emitted from
a source. 126 and 128, for emissivity compensation of temperature
measurement by thermally emitted radiant energy.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter which compares simultaneous thermal effects
on a test specimen and a reference specimen of an applied variation
in temperature.
(1)
Note. The reference specimen is usually inert (i.e. undergoes
no thermodynamic phase changes) over the temperature range of interest.
(2)
Note. The comparison is usually a differential determination
of the specimen conditions being monitored (e.g. temperature difference).
(3)
Note. The specimens being compared are exposed to similar
environmental conditions.
This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter having a particular circuitry arrangement
for controlling heating of the test and reference specimens.
BY APPLYING KNOWN THERMAL GRADIENT (E.G., INDICATION OF RESPONSE
BY LOCATION):
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter having an element with a temperature which
increases in one direction according to the distance from a reference point
so as to determine the relationship between a thermally responsive
property and temperature by observation of the spatial distribution
of the property.
TRANSFORMATION POINT DETERMINATION (E.G., DEW POINT, BOILING POINT):
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter for determining the temperature at which
a change of state or phase of the test specimen occurs.
(1)
Note. The term "change of state" refers to
changes between the gaseous, liquids, and solid states.
This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Subject matter wherein the test is performed by determining
a change in a light modifying characteristic of the test specimen
or an element in contact therewith.
This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Subject matter wherein the light modifying characteristic
is reflection from the specimen or an element in contact therewith.
(1)
Note. Included herein are total internal reflection within
the specimen and mirrors contacting the specimen.
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Subject matter including a temperature modifying element
for the specimen which modifying element is responsive to the light
responsive element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Subject matter wherein the test is performed by determining
the value, or its change, of an electrical property of the test
specimen.
This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Subject matter wherein the test is performed by determining
the modification of movement of a test element which contact or
is located within the test specimen.
This subclass is indented under subclass 22. Subject matter including an arrangement for applying a motion
producing force to the movable test element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Subject matter wherein the transition point is established
by determination of a variation in either the force per unit area
or the volume per unit time of a fluid specimen.
This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Subject matter wherein the transition point is established
by locating the temperature at which there is no temperature change
during heating or cooling of the specimen.
(1)
Note. The thermal arrest temperature is often located by
use of a graph of time vs. temperature during heating or cooling.
This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Subject matter where in the transformation point determination
is between a gaseous and a liquid state, and not provided for in
subclass
(1)
Note. Included herein are determination of a boiling or a
condensation point.
This subclass is indented under subclass 27. Subject matter wherein the change of state determined is
that of the temperature at which condensation of a vapor in a sample
begins, and not provided for in subclasses 17 - 26, above.
This subclass is indented under subclass 29. Subject matter wherein the heat flux is determined by measuring
the temperature difference across a thermal impedance without heating
or cooling.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter for determining a quantity of heat energy
produced or absorbed at a given location.
(1)
Note. Calorimetric determination of the amount of constituent
in a compound or of the heat of chemical combination is classified
herein only when limited to a determination of heat produced by
combustion of the specimen.
Chemistry: Physical Processes,
subclass 230 and 232 for processes involving heat measurement
of a catalytic element, or with steps involving a chemical reaction
other than combustion.
Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting, Deodorizing,
Preserving, or Sterilizing,
subclass 51 for apparatus for heat measurement of a catalytic element,
or with an arrangement involving a chemical reaction other than
combustion.
This subclass is indented under subclass 31. Total radiant energy or power measurement: Subject matter
for determining the total energy or power produced by a source of
radiation.
(1)
Note. Microwave, other radio wave, X-ray and gamma ray radiation
are excluded from this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 31. Subject matter including an arrangement to maintain or vary
the heat energy of a receptacle containing a sample undergoing an
endothermic or exothermic reaction.
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Subject matter including an element in thermally conductive
relation to the sample container and an arrangement to maintain
the temperature of the element equal to that of the test location
by heating or cooling the element so as to prevent heat flow between
the element and the container.
This subclass is indented under subclass 31. Subject matter for making a measurement of a thermal parameter
of a hot gas including transfer of heat energy from the hot gas
to a measuring element.
(1)
Note. The terms "hot" or "high
temperature" to describe the gas are each intended to specify
that the absolute temperature of the probe is very small compared
to that of the gas.
(2)
Note. Included herein are enthalpy probes and probes with
a fluid coolant therein.
This subclass is indented under subclass 31. Subject matter for determining the amount of heat produced
by burning a given amount of a tested combustible material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Subject matter having a structural detail of an adjustment
of the amount of air or fuel admitted to the combustion location.
(1)
Note. The adjustment may be responsive to the temperature
of the combustion exhaust fluid.
This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Subject matter including a container resistant to high pressure
produced by rapid ignition of the tested material.
(1)
Note. The ignition chamber is often immersed in a liquid,
or includes and electrically operated igniting element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 31. Subject matter wherein the heat measured is that taken from
or added to a heat exchange fluid by a heat utilizing device through
which the fluid flows.
(1)
Note. The term "heat utilizing device" is generally
a heating or cooling device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Subject matter including sensing of the flow rate and a
temperature of the heat exchange fluid and combining signals representative thereof
to produce a signal representing heat gain or loss.
(1)
Note. The temperature signal is often representative of the
differential temperature of the fluid prior to and following heat
exchange with the heat utilizing device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Subject matter wherein the temperature and flow rate are
each sensed to produce an electrical signal and the signals are
electrically combined.
This subclass is indented under subclass 31. Subject matter for measuring a heat energy property of a
gas or vapor including flow of the gas or vapor through a restriction
as part of the measurement.
(1)
Note. Such devices are often used to determine "steam
quality" which is the fraction of moisture in the liquid
state carried by flowing steam.
DETERMINATION OF INHERENT THERMAL PROPERTY (E.G., HEAT FLOW
COEFFICIENT):
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter for ascertaining a specimen"s ability
to transmit, transfer, retard, or spread heat and which includes
heating or cooling of a portion of the specimen.
(1)
Note. Properties determined by such a measurement include
thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, or heat transfer coefficient.
(2)
Note. Measurement of specific heat is made by calorimetry.
This subclass is indented under subclass 43. Subject matter for determining the coefficient of heat flow
per unit area with respect to the temperature gradient.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter for performing a measurement or test of other
than a thermal quantity either (1) with a specified thermal condition,
or (2) to ascertain the dependence of the quantity upon a thermal
condition.
(1)
Note. The thermal condition is usually temperature or heat.
(2)
Note. Nominal recitation of thermal recitation combined with
a test classified elsewhere is classified with the other test.
This subclass is indented under subclass 45. Subject matter wherein the nonthermal test includes direct
application of a mechanical force to a test specimen.
This subclass is indented under subclass 49. Subject matter having a structural detail of an element
of an arrangement for applying heat to, or extracting heat from,
the specimen.
This subclass is indented under subclass 45. Subject matter wherein the nonthermal quantity is either
the degree of polymerization of a polymerizable substance, or the
depth to which a hardening of an outer layer of metal extends.
(1)
Note. The hardening of a layer of metal is often produced
by quenching.
This subclass is indented under subclass 45. Subject matter wherein the nonthermal quantity is the amount
of a fluid or the rate of change of a flow property or evaporation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 45. Subject matter wherein the measurement is of a temperature
dependance of a dimensional change of a test specimen.
This subclass is indented under subclass 45. Subject matter for determining the properties of a specimen
with respect to breakdown of structural integrity or of degeneration
of a characteristic by heating or cooling of the specimen.
(1)
Note. Such determination may further include application
of other energy (e.g., radiation) to the specimen.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter for making a quantitative determination of
a temperature, or of a temperature-related parameter which is not
otherwise classifiable.
(1)
Note. The term "quantitative" requires
a numerical result of more than two values.
(2)
Note. The term "temperature-related parameter" is
a quantity having a value that is a function of plural temperatures, or
of temperature and another variable and not elsewhere classified,
see subclasses 101+ below.
(3)
Note. A device providing the temperature determination is
often designated as a "thermometer" or pyrometer",
both terms being used in this class.
(4)
Note. In this and indented subclasses the term "sensing" will
denote the immediate effect of a parameter and the term "indicating" will
denote the creation of a humanly perceptible action.
Measuring and Testing,
subclasses 25+ for thermal gas analysis, subclasses 75 and 77
for a thermal moisture content determination; subclasses 152.12+ for
strata identification by thermal measurements in a bore hole; and
subclass 295 for a thermal measurement to determine liquid level.
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter wherein the quantitative determination is
a continuous function of plural temperatures, or of temperature,
and at least one other variable and which function is not otherwise
classifiable.
(1)
Note. The other variable may include time, radiation, etc.
This subclass is indented under subclass 101. Subject matter wherein the quantitative determination is
either, (1) functionally dependent upon, or (2) limited to the time
elapsed during the measurement.
(1)
Note. Included herein are measurements of time-temperature
integrals or other deterioration representative functions.
This subclass is indented under subclass 102. Subject matter having a detail of a component or arrangement
of circuitry which integrates a temperature-dependent electric signal
with respect to time.
This subclass is indented under subclass 102. Subject matter wherein the determination is of a temperature
having a value, or difference in value from a reference temperature
exceeding all other such temperatures during a measuring interval.
This subclass is indented under subclass 104. Subject matter wherein the determination is made by an indicating
tube type thermometer with an irregularity in its axial bore between the
bulb and scale of the thermometer so as to prevent the expansible
material therein from returning to the bulb.
This subclass is indented under subclass 104. Subject matter wherein the determination is made using an
arrangement which changes with a change in temperature in only one
direction, i.e. restoring the temperature to its initial value does
not restore the arrangement to its original condition.
(1)
Note. Included herein are arrangements having color change,
fusible, or diffusion properties.
This subclass is indented under subclass 102. Subject matter wherein the composite function is the product
of the difference of the temperature from a reference temperature
and the number of days elapsed.
(1)
Note. The subject matter herein generally includes a clock
running at a rate dependent upon the outdoor temperature difference
below a reference temperature.
Measuring and Testing,
subclasses 170.01+ for nonthermal meteorological measurement; and
subclasses 335.08+ for wet and dry thermal sensors to determine
atmospheric humidity.
This subclass is indented under subclass 101. Subject matter wherein the quantitative determination is
a single function of the temperatures of plural spaced-apart points.
This subclass is indented under subclass 110. Subject matter wherein the resultant measurement is the
difference between the temperatures at two of the spaced-apart points
or the ratio of such a difference to the distance between the two
points.
This subclass is indented under subclass 112. Subject matter wherein the difference is sensed by two thermoelectric
current generators having a single current path therethrough and
connected with the potentials in opposing directions along the current
path.
This subclass is indented under subclass 112. Subject matter having plural elements with a temperature-dependent
impedance and so connected between a power source and output so as
to produce a signal related to the temperature difference at the
output.
(1)
Note. A bride having such sensing impedance elements in adjacent
arms is classified in this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 110. Subject matter wherein the resultant measurement is the
summation of temperatures at the spaced apart points divided by
the summation of said points.
(1)
Note. In this definition, the term "summation" includes
integration over a continuous path as well as discrete additive summation
so as to include averages over continuous as well as discrete measurement
points.
This subclass is indented under subclass 115. Subject matter having a sensor which is long enough to inherently
average the temperature over its length.
(1)
Note. Included herein are arrangements with fluid temperature
sensors having housing with multiple inlets along its length.
This subclass is indented under subclass 117. Subject matter wherein the temperature is determined by
the frequency of mechanical or acoustical resonance measured by
fluid flow.
(1)
Such elements are often resonating chamber devices.
This subclass is indented under subclass 117. Subject matter wherein the temperature is determined by
the speed of a mechanical wave.
(1)
Note. the resonant frequency of a fixed wavelength element,
although inherently a measure of vibration velocity, is classified
in subclasses 117 and 118 above, without cross-reference to this
subclass in the absence of a nonresonant variant of velocity determination.
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter having a temperature sensor separated from
the object by an intervening space or material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 120. Subject matter wherein the temperature of a specimen is
measured by measuring a parameter of the thermal radiation emitted
therefrom.
Batteries: Thermoelectric and Photoelectric,
subclasses 213+ for a thermoelectric sensor for a thermoelectric radiation
pyrometer absent processing and indicating circuitry.
This subclass is indented under subclass 121. Subject matter wherein the radiation measurement is performed
directly by microwave signal processing components (e.g., waveguides).
This subclass is indented under subclass 121. Subject matter including compensation for radiation transmitted
through or blocked from the thermally emitting material.
(1)
Note. Measurements involving spectral line intensity or inversion,
as well as reference emitters from transparency compensation are
classified herein.
This subclass is indented under subclass 121. Subject matter wherein the thermally emitted radiation from
adjacent points of the emitting object is successively evaluated
or wherein the quantitative or continuous variation of surface temperature
is displayed in relationship to the points thereof.
This subclass is indented under subclass 121. Subject matter having an arrangement to produce a stream
of fluid flowing past at least one element of a radiation analyzing
arrangement in order to remove from the element, or the path between
the element and the emitting object, particulate or other undesired
material.
(1)
Note. The element is often an optical element (e.g., lens
or window).
(2)
Note. The fluid stream usually has an incidental cooling
effect.
This subclass is indented under subclass 121. Subject matter including an arrangement to provide, or to
compensate for departure from, a fourth power dependence of the
emitted radiation on the absolute temperature, or from the amount
of radiation emitted by a completely black surface with an emissivity
of one.
(1)
Note. Included herein are blackened surfaces or cavities
contacting the material the temperature of which is being measured.
This subclass is indented under subclass 121. Subject matter including a particular feature of the frequency
of the thermal radiation, or a portion thereof, sensed to perform
the temperature determination.
(1)
Note. The sensed parameter is often the intensity of the
radiation at a given frequency.
(2)
Note. Included herein are ratio pyrometer, devices determining
the frequency of peak intensity, and devices having sensors with
different frequency-intensity characteristics.
This subclass is indented under subclass 121. Subject matter having details of a circuit which processes
the sensed signal.
(1)
Note. Included herein is processing to obtain a signal linearly
related to the temperature or compensating for the emissivity characteristics
of the radiating object.
This subclass is indented under subclass 121. Subject matter including an arrangement for comparing the
thermally emitted radiation to be measured with radiation from a
reference emitter the radiation from which has a predetermined relationship
to the emitter temperature.
(1)
Note. Such emitters often have a high emissivity factor (E1),
and include blackened elements and blackbody cavity radiators.
(2)
Note. Comparison arrangement may include choppers alternating
the measured and reference radiation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 121. Subject matter including a specific limitation of an element
which changes the direction of the radiation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 130. Subject matter including a generally elongate element for
conducting radiation from one end to the other within the confines
of the outer surface of the elongate element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 121. Subject matter including maintaining or modifying the temperature
of the radiation detector or some portion thereof during radiation
sensing.
This subclass is indented under subclass 121. Subject matter having an arrangement to eliminate any effects
caused by the temperature of the surroundings of the radiation sensor.
(1)
Note. Included herein are arrangements with an additional
radiation sensor not exposed to the radiation to cancel the temperature
effects on the radiation receiving sensor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 120. Subject matter wherein the temperature at a location is
measured by measuring temperature or heat flow at a point spaced
from the location.
(1)
Note. The desired location is often inaccessible for measurement.
(2)
Note. Included herein are temperature and heat flow simulation
or analog arrangement.
(3)
Note. Included herein are article simulation arrangements,
such as dummy cans, to determine temperature of the article interior.
This subclass is indented under subclass 120. Subject matter including determination of some parameter
of a flowing fluid in thermal relationship to an object at a location
spaced away from the object.
(1)
Note. Convection current measurement is included herein.
(2)
Note. The parameters of the flowing fluid include flow rate,
pressure, and temperature.
Measuring and Testing,
subclasses 152.12+ for borehole formation logging by making a thermal
measurement, subclass 152.33 for thermal rate of fluid flow measuring
in a borehole; and subclasses 170.01+ for measurement of
oceanos:graphic or atmospheric phenomena, in general.
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter for determination of the temperature along
a path or on a surface and displaying in substantially continuous
form the temperature at each point of the path or surface.
This subclass is indented under subclass 139. Subject matter wherein the sensing arrangement includes
an elongate housing containing a temperature sensor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter having significant temperature measuring
detail combined with a device having another utility.
(1)
Note. Where significant detail of the other device
additional to that above is claimed such a combination is classifiable
with the other device and should be cross-referenced herein.
(2)
Note. The term "another utility" refers to
a function which would still be performed if the temperature measurement limitations
were removed, thus supports or viewing devices are not
considered as having other utility.
Seal for a Joint or Juncture, for a generic sealing means or process,
subclass 319 for a seal combined with a fluid temperature indicator, sampler or
inspection feature.
This subclass is indented under subclass 141. Subject matter combined with a device for making a quantitative
determination of a parameter other than temperature.
(1)
Note. The combination must make distinct determinations of
the temperature and another parameter. See (2) Note in section
II of the class definition.
This subclass is indented under subclass 145. Subject matter wherein the cooling system has a radiator
with a cap having the thermometer mounted thereon.
Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices,
subclass 93.6 for safety and protection arrangements for electrical components
including transformer sensor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 141. Subject matter wherein the temperature of an angularly rotatable
cylindrical element or of material contacting the element surface
is measured
This subclass is indented under subclass 153. Subject matter including an arrangement to couple a sensor
located in or on the rotating element, and including indicating
circuitry which does not rotate.
This subclass is indented under subclass 141. Subject matter wherein the diverse art device is an object
penetrating element to enable interior temperature measurements
of objects.
(1)
Note. A piercing element integral with a temperature probe
is considered to have independent utility whether or not explicitly
disclosed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 141. Subject matter wherein the diverse art device is a buoyant
element which supports the thermometer in spaced relation to a liquid
surface.
(1)
Note. The buoyant action of a float is considered to make
the float a device of independent utility, rather than a static support
excluded from subclass 141 and its indented subclasses.
This subclass is indented under subclass 141. Subject matter wherein the diverse art device is a holder
or container for obtaining a volume of material being measured.
(1)
Note. The temperature sensor may extend into the material
within the sampler.
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter including an element particularly adapted
to fit over a temperature sensor during a measurement.
(1)
Note. Included herein are also probecover subcombinations
not elsewhere classifiable.
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter wherein the temperature is determined by
a change in a property of a sensing element and which property is
other than magnetic, electrical, or mechanical.
(1)
Note. The term "mechanical" refers specifically
to temperature dependent expansion or contraction.
(2)
Note. Such a property could include an optical property,
luminescence, sorbtion, or a change of state.
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter including an element having a temperature
responsive variation in an electrical or magnetic property thereof
and an arrangement providing a quantitative indication from the
variation.
(1)
Note. Included in this and its indented subclasses is circuitry
peculiar to temperature measurement and not provided for elsewhere.
(2)
Note. Sensor structure, per se, is classified with the particular
element structure (e.g. resistor, magnet, etc.).
Active Solid-State Devices (e.g., Transistors,
Solid-State Diodes),
subclasses 53 through 56, 108, 414, and 467-470 for such devices used as
temperature responsive devices, subclass 295 for insulated gate
field effect devices with a ferroelectric layer, and subclasses
421-427 for magnetic field responsive devices.
This subclass is indented under subclass 163. Subject matter included a housing having the thermal sensing
element and an element for heating the housing to assist in the
temperature determination.
(1)
Note. The heating is particularly to assist in the temperature
measurement as, for example, to heat the probe to a nominal expected
temperature. Heating of more general utility is classified in the appropriate
class.
This subclass is indented under subclass 163. Subject matter having plural sensors at different locations
for distinct temperature measurements of the several locations.
This subclass is indented under subclass 166. Subject matter including successive connection of the sensors
of each location with the temperature measuring arrangement.
This subclass is indented under subclass 163. Subject matter including an electric circuit with an output
which may be balanced by a variable signal which is controlled by
the output, and which variable signal is utilized as a measure of
the magnitude of the sensor output.
(1)
Note. Included herein are servo-potentiometer and thermal
links for rebalancing.
This subclass is indented under subclass 163. Subject matter including an arrangement to permit the indication
of the measured temperature prior to the sensor reaching the measured temperature.
This subclass is indented under subclass 170. Subject matter having electrical pulse or digital processing
circuitry to modify the pulse group content in accordance with the
value represented thereby in order to provide an output which is
a linear function of the sensed temperature.
(1)
Note. The modification is generally the inverse function
of the signal relationship to the temperature.
Electrical Pulse Counters, Pulse Dividers, or
Shift Registers: Circuits and Systems,
subclasses 27+ for similar subject matter including detailed structure
of output counters.
This subclass is indented under subclass 136. Subject matter having circuitry to modify the signal representing
the sensed temperature to form a signal which is linearly related
to the sensed temperature, or which is independent of the impedance
of leads connecting the sensor to the other circuit elements.
(1)
Note. The signal modification for linearizing is generally
the function inverse to the sensor temperature response.
(2)
Note. The signal modification for impedance compensation
may include three or more leads to a two terminal sensor, or separable
(e.g. by polarity) signals energizing the sensor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 172. Subject matter wherein the signal modification is performed
by either feedback circuitry of an amplifier, or circuitry of an
amplifier, or circuitry including a constant current source.
This subclass is indented under subclass 163. Subject matter wherein the thermal sensor includes an envelope
having a fluid or a vacuum therein, and electrodes to provide an
electric current or space discharge therein, the temperature being
determined by its effect on the discharge.
(1)
Note. The temperature effect may be produced by variation
in work function, ionization, or thermoelectric potential.
This subclass is indented under subclass 163. Subject matter responsive to an electric current produced
by the thermal motion of molecules in the sensor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 163. Subject matter wherein the sensor has either a residual
electric or magnetic field absent an external field applied thereto,
or a property peculiar to temperatures near absolute zero.
(1)
Note. Included herein are magnetized elements.
(2)
Note. Included herein are superconductivity and certain paramagnetic-ferromagnetic
transitions.
This subclass is indented under subclass 163. Subject matter wherein the sensor is composed of semiconductive
material having a potential barrier therein.
Miscellaneous Active Electrical Nonlinear Devices,
Circuits, and Systems,
subclasses 512+ for temperature-responsive circuitry containing
a nonlinear solid-state element.
Subject matter 163 wherein the element produces a temperature-dependent
potential as a result of physical contact between two materials
having different thermoelectric potentials at the measurement location.
(1)
Note. These are usually of the thermocouple type.
This subclass is indented under subclass 179. Subject matter including an electrical circuit path passing
through the specimen as part of the thermoelectric potential generator.
This subclass is indented under subclass 179. Subject matter having a reference junction complementary
to the measuring junction, and an arrangement to modify the output
signal to eliminate the effect of temperature variation on the reference
junction.
This subclass is indented under subclass 179. Subject matter having a reference junction complementary
to the measuring junction, and an arrangement to maintain the reference
junction at a constant temperature.
This subclass is indented under subclass 163. Subject matter wherein the sensor has a temperature-responsive
variation in electrical impedance from which the temperature determination
is obtained.
(1)
Note. Included in this and indented subclasses are circuitry
arrangements not specifically provided for in subclasses 164-182.
This subclass is indented under subclass 183. Subject matter wherein the temperature is sensed by a variation
in the ratio of the voltage drop across the sensor to the quadrature
current through the sensor.
(1)
Note. Systems having capacitive or inductive sensors are
classified herein.
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter having structure for generating a permanent
or semi-permanent record of the measured temperature.
(1)
Note. A temperature measuring device including only nominal
recitation of a recorder will be classified according to the temperature
measuring structure.
(2)
Note. The record may be a visible representation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter wherein the quantitative temperature determination
is given by a variation of force, position, or motion caused by
a variation in a temperature-responsive mechanical property of a
sensing material.
(1)
Note. Such mechanical properties include expansion or contraction.
This subclass is indented under subclass 187. Subject matter having electrical measurement of the mechanical
variation to produce an electrical current for temperature determination.
This subclass is indented under subclass 187. Subject matter wherein the expansion of a sensing or indicating
material is visible through a transparent tube.
(1)
Note. The tube or its mounting usually has a graduated scale
to provide a numerical indication.
(2)
Note. Although the material is usually a liquid, use of a
gas or a semisolid material is included herein.
This subclass is indented under subclass 190. Subject matter having an arrangement to assist in returning
an expanded portion of the sensing material back to a reference
or storage position.
(1)
Note. The reference or storage position usually refers to
an enlarged bulb at the sensing portion of the thermometer.
Measuring and Testing,
subclass 335.09 for whirling psychrometers (i.e., wet and dry built
thermometers mounted to be whirled on a support to cause wet bulb
evaporation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 190. Subject matter wherein the cross-section configuration of
the transparent tube is particularly described.
(1)
Note. This subclass includes a transparent indicating tube
shaped so as to form an optical element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 187. Subject matter having significant detail of a mechanism
for transmitting motion from a sensing element to an indicating
element.
(1)
Note. The term "mechanism" requires at least
two relatively moving elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 187. Subject matter having a compound sensing element with two
distinct mechanical sensors one of which surrounds the other.
This subclass is indented under subclass 187. Subject matter having an arrangement to vary the indication
in response to a condition other than the measured temperature.
This subclass is indented under subclass 198. Subject matter including an adjustable element for limiting
thermally caused motion of the temperature sensor.
(1)
Note. Included herein are screw-threaded stop elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 187. Subject matter using the temperature responsive expansion
or contraction of a confined fluid to determine temperature.
This subclass is indented under subclass 201. Subject matter having a solid force transmitting element
applying pressure on a second confined fluid in response to the
pressure of the sensing fluid, which second fluid pressure is measured
to provide the temperature determination.
This subclass is indented under subclass 201. Subject matter wherein the fluid is confined to an elastic
tube having either (1) a flexible corrugated wall, or (2) a curved
or twisted configuration such that an increase of fluid pressure tends
to straighten the tube.
This subclass is indented under subclass 187. Subject matter having a sensor including two or more separate
elements cooperating to increase the mechanical variation causing
indication.
(1)
Note. The separate sensing elements are located at a single
location to increase the effect of temperature change.
This subclass is indented under subclass 187. Subject matter having a solid sensing element composed of
plural materials joined together along a surface.
This subclass is indented under subclass 205. Subject matter in which the sensing element is continuously
curved so as to form a spiral having plural turns.
Subject matter particularly adapted for enclosing, protecting,
holding or otherwise perfecting subject matter classified in this
class, but not of itself performing a measurement or test, and not
elsewhere classified.
(1)
Note. A thermal measuring or testing arrangement including
a housing, support or adjunct is classified in the appropriate preceding
subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 208. Subject matter drawn to an element particularly adapted
to fit over a temperature sensor during measurement.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter not classifiable in any of the preceding
subclasses.
E-SUBCLASSES
E-subclasses in USPC Class 374/E19.001-E1.026 were created as duplicates of EPO groups in G01K and its indents. With the implementation of CPC, these E-subclasses should no longer be used. Instead, use CPC groups in G01K and its indents.
The E-subclasses in U.S. Class 374 provide for calorimetric devices and methods and devices and methods for testing or calibrating calorimetric devices. They also provide for thermometers, details and adaptations of thermometers, and devices and methods for testing or calibrating thermometers.
DETAILS OF THERMOMETERS NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PARTICULAR
TYPES OF THERMOMETER (EPO):
This main subclass provides for thermometer details of general
utility. This subclass is substantially the same in scope as ECLA
classification G01K1/00.
THERMOMETERS GIVING RESULTS OTHER THAN MOMENTARY VALUE OF
TEMPERATURE (EPO):
This main subclass provides forthermometers which indicate
a specific temperature or a relative temperature. This subclass
is substantially the same in scope as ECLA classification G01K3/00.
MEASURING TEMPERATURE BASED ON THE EXPANSION OR CONTRACTION
OF A MATERIAL (EPO):
This main subclass provides for temperature indicators responsive
to the expansion or contraction of a material caused by a temperature change.
This subclass is substantially the same in scope as ECLA classification
G01K5/00.
for similar subject matter wherein the material
is contained in a hollow body having parts which are deformable
or displaceable under the pressure developed by the material.
for similar subject matter in which the material
is contained in a hollow body having parts which are deformable
or displaceable under the pressure developed by the material.
MEASURING TEMPERATURE BASED ON THE USE OF ELECTRIC OR MAGNETIC
ELEMENTS DIRECTLY SENSITIVE TO HEAT (EPO):
This main subclass provides for devices or methods for measuring
temperatures using sensing elements having an electrical or magnetic
property which is varied by heat. This subclass is substantially
the same in scope as ECLA classification G01K7/00.
MEASURING TEMPERTURE BASED ON MOVEMENTS CAUSED BY REDISTRIBUTION
OF WEIGHT, E.G., TILTING THERMOMETER ETC. (EPO):
This main subclass provides for temperature indicators responsive
to a redistribution of weight caused by a change of temperature.
This subclass is substantially the same in scope as ECLA classification
G01K9/00.
MEASURING TEMPERATURE BASED UPON PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL CHANGES
NOT COVERED BY ANY OF THE PRECEDING SUBCLASSES (EPO):
This main subclass provides for temperature indicators responsive
to a physical or chemical change caused by a temperature change
and not provided for in any of the preceding subclasses. This subclass
is substantially the same in scope as ECLA classification G01K11/00.
ADAPTATIONS OF THERMOMETERS FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES (EPO):
This main subclass provides for indicating devices designed
for specific uses or environments. This subclass is substantially
the same in scope as ECLA classification G01K13/00.
This main subclass provides fordevices or methods for testing
or calibrating temperature measuring devices. This subclass is
substantially the same in scope as ECLA classification G01K15/00.
This main subclass provides for devices or methods for measuring
the amount of heat produced or absorbed by chemical reactions or
by physical changes or for measuring heat capacity. This subclass
is substantially the same in scope as ECLA classification G01K17/00.
This subclass is indented under subclass E17.001. This subclass is substantially the same in scope as ECLA
classification G01K17/04.
(1)
Note. This subclass covers calorimetry in which the absorbed
or released quantity of heat to be measured is compensated by a
measured quantity of heating or cooling.
This subclass is indented under subclass E17.001. This subclass is substantially the same in scope as ECLA
classification G01K17/06.
(1)
Note. This subclass covers, for example, the measurement
of the quantity of heat in a transporting medium, delivered to or consumed
in an expenditure device.
This main subclass provides for devices or methods for testing
or calibrating calorimeters. This subclass is substantially the
same in scope as ECLA classification G01K19/00.
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