Patent ID: 6239351
Filing Date: 2001-05-29
Classification: G01K,H01L

Abstract:
A self-diagnostic thermocouple for detecting the deterioration of a thermoelement comprising:a sheath;a first thermoelement having first thermoelectric properties, disposed at least partially axially within the sheath;at least a second thermoelement disposed at least partially axially within the sheath, having second thermoelectric properties different from the first thermoelectric properties;a reference thermoelement disposed at least partially axially within the sheath, the reference thermoelement having thermoelectric properties different from the first and at least second thermoelectric properties;an insulating material filling the sheath for electrically insulating the first, second and reference themoelements from each other and from the sheath; anda microprocessor responsive to at least two of the electrical outputs to generate an output signifying a degradation of one of the first and at least second thermoelements.