Patent ID: 6881951
Filing Date: 2005-04-19
Classification: G01J

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for calibrating a railway infrared hot box or hot wheel detector by delivering a desired radiant energy delta to the hot box detector comprising: a source of radiant energy source adapted to be positioned adjacent to the hot box detector being calibrated for emitting radiant energy along a path toward the hot box detector; a shutter device positioned between the source of radiant energy and the hot box detector along the path, with the shutter device being selectively operable between a first mode operation in which the shutter device permits radiant energy to be transmitted from the source to the hot box detector along the path, and a second mode of operation in which the shutter blocks the transmission of radiant energy from the source to the detector; a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the shutter device; and a processor responsive to the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor to operate the energy source at a desired temperature setpoint based on the temperature of the shutter device and the desired radiant energy delta.