Multiple wavelength temperature detector for resistive heating processes
OwnerKevin Davisinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A temperature sensing system for a resistive welding process for a tube performs repeatable temperature measurement using a camera to detect multiple distinct visible light wavelengths even as the ambient environment in the view path changes. Sensed colors in a field of view in the vicinity of a weld are output to a computing element that calculates a corresponding temperature and alerts an operator when the sensed color exceeds a preset color range.
Claims13
A temperature sensing device comprising:
- a camera equipped with a lens and a sensor, the sensor configured to sense electromagnetic radiation at a plurality of distinct wavelengths;
- and
- a computing element connected to the camera,
- wherein the camera transmits color radiation intensity information sensed at each of the plurality of distinct wavelengths of a weld area to the computing element and the computing element uses the ratio of the radiation intensity information at the plurality of distinct wavelengths to calculate a corresponding temperature value.
A temperature sensing system for a resistive welding process for a tube, the system comprising:
- a camera equipped with a lens and a sensor, the sensor configured to sense electromagnetic radiation at a plurality of distinct wavelengths;
- a camera enclosure that surrounds the camera, the enclosure provided with a viewing window, wherein the camera lens is aligned with the viewing window such that the camera is provided with a field of view that includes a V-shaped weld process area of a metal strip;
- and
- a computing element connected to the camera,
- wherein the camera transmits radiation intensity information sensed at each of the plurality of distinct wavelengths of the weld process area to the computing element and the computing element uses the ratio of the radiation intensity information at the plurality of distinct wavelengths to calculate a corresponding temperature value.
A method for determining the temperature of a weld comprising the steps of:
- entering a desired color of a weld and an acceptable range of variation via a user interface to computing element;
- sensing distinct light wavelengths emitted from a weld within a field of view;
- calculating a color based on the sensed distinct wavelengths,
- monitoring and logging the calculated color;
- and
- generating an alert when a deviation greater than the acceptable range of variation in color is detected.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.