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.
Claims12
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 intensity information of a weld area to the computing element and the computer uses the color intensity information 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 color intensity information of the weld process area to the computing element and the computer uses the color intensity information 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.