Patent ID: 6034360
Filing Date: 2000-03-07
Classification: G01K,H05B

Abstract:
An infrared radiator for generating infrared radiation responsive to the passage of electric current through the radiator from an electrical source, said radiator comprising:a heatable element (1) formed of a first electrically conductive material, said heatable element being couplable to the electrical source to form an electrical circuit path in which electric current flows from the electrical source through the element to energize and heat the element to elevate its temperature, said element, when heated to an elevated temperature, generating infrared radiation; anda conductor (4, 10) formed of a second electrically conductive material different from said first electrically conductive material, said conductor being electrically connected to said heating element at a junction, the connection of the different electrically conductive materials of said conductor and heating element at said junction comprising a temperature measuring thermojunction in said electrical circuit path of said heatable element through which thermojunction, the current of the electrical source flows when the heating element is energized, said thermojunction being subjected to the heat of said heatable element,said measuring thermojunction altering its electrical characteristics when subjected to the heat of said heatable element to indicate the temperature of the heatable element and hence the properties of the infrared radiation generated by the heatable element.