Thermal measuring and testing – Housing – support – or adjunct
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-11
2001-10-09
Gutierrez, Diego (Department: 2859)
Thermal measuring and testing
Housing, support, or adjunct
C374S001000, C374S198000, C116S221000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06299350
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a thermometer.
One popular form of thermometer includes a bimetallic sensing element disposed in a metal tube which allows the sensing element to be placed in an environment in which temperature sensing is desired. A dial case mounted at one end of the tube contains a scale. A pointer coupled to the sensing element traverses the scale to provide an indication of temperature sensed by the sensing element.
The angular position of the dial case relative to the tube can be adjusted in order to change the relative positions of the indicator and the scale and thereby calibrate the thermometer. A spring biased friction engagement secures the dial case and the metal tube in their adjusted relative positions. The slip joint that permits relative rotation between the tube and the dial case is relatively tight to prevent the entrance of contaminants and the dial case is relatively small for portability and convenience. Consequently, it is difficult for the user to calibrate the thermometer in the field without having access to suitable tools.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention there is provided a thermometer comprising a probe portion having a central axis, an adjustment member secured to the probe portion in a manner preventing relative rotation thereof, and a dial portion which is rotatable relative to the probe portion about the central axis thereof for calibrating the thermometer, wherein the adjustment member is a nut having lobes whereby torque can be applied to the adjustment member by hand for effecting relative turning movement of the probe portion and the dial portion without use of a turning tool.
The lobes of the nut can be gripped to facilitate turning of the dial portion relative to the probe portion by hand, without need for a turning tool.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 308343 (1990-06-01), Aloise et al.
patent: D. 383682 (1997-09-01), Swanson
patent: 2833149 (1958-05-01), Aldridge et al.
patent: 2918819 (1959-12-01), Freeman
patent: 3357251 (1967-12-01), Harrison
patent: 4595301 (1986-06-01), Taylor
patent: 4950085 (1990-08-01), Horvath
patent: 5775488 (1998-07-01), Vaught
patent: 6033110 (2000-03-01), O'Neill
patent: 6039177 (2000-03-01), Swanson et al.
Thermostatic Controls, Westinghouse Electric and Mfrg. Co., Brochure B-3344, p. 9, (Sep. 1995).
Booth Vicki R.
Mellinger Alan J.
Comark Instruments, Inc.
Gutierrez Diego
Pruchnic Jr. Stanley J.
Smith-Hill John
Smith-Hill and Bedell
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