Patent ID: 8003942
Filing Date: 2011-08-23
Classification: G01J

Abstract:
1. A method for estimating a time to failure of a component using a programmable infrared camera having programmed logic, comprising: (a) inputting into the programmed logic a limit life for the component; (b) inputting into the programmed logic a high alarm delta-T for the component; (c) measuring a first temperature of a faulty component with the programmable infrared camera; (d) measuring a second temperature of a normal component with the programmable infrared camera; (e) subtracting the second temperature from the first temperature to provide a delta-T temperature in the programmed logic; (f) using the programmed logic to divide the high alarm delta-T by the calculated delta-T temperature to obtain a ratio; and (g) using the programmed logic to multiply the limit life by a function of the ratio to estimate the time to failure of the component.