Patent ID: 7507019
Filing Date: 2009-03-24
Classification: G01J,G01K

Abstract:
1. A method for calibrating a thermometer, said thermometer comprising a primary temperature sensor and a reference temperature sensor, said reference temperature sensor being positioned proximate to the primary temperature sensor and being responsive to an extraneous temperature affecting the primary temperature sensor, said method comprising: controlling the temperature of the reference temperature sensor to a first temperature value; measuring a characteristic of the reference temperature sensor at said first temperature value; repeating the controlling and measuring for at least one other temperature value different than the first temperature value; utilizing the temperature values and the measured characteristics to solve a calibration equation, said calibration equation relating temperature and measured characteristic of the reference temperature sensor wherein said repeating comprises: controlling the temperature of the reference temperature sensor to a second temperature value; measuring a characteristic of the reference temperature sensor at said second temperature value; controlling the temperature of the reference temperature sensor to a third temperature value; and measuring a characteristic of the reference temperature sensor at said third temperature value; wherein said utilizing comprises utilizing the first, second, and third temperature values and the three corresponding measured characteristics to solve the following calibration equation for a, b, and c; where T R is the measured characteristic of the reference temperature sensor, and a, b, and c are calibration coefficients of the reference temperature sensor calculated based upon the three temperature values end the three corresponding measured characteristics; and using the calibrated reference temperature sensor to calibrate the primary temperature sensor.