James A Crabtree

US Patent:

45041571, Mar 12, 1985

Filed:

Sep 30, 1982

Appl. No.:

6/431158

Inventors:

Austin Crabtree - Rockwood TN
James R. Crabtree - Rockwood TN
Jeffrey Crabtree - Rockwood TN

International Classification:

G01K 300

US Classification:

374109

Abstract:

A meter for determining chill temperature and/or chill effect as a measure of comfort of an individual. This meter utilizes a sensor that is responsive to ambient temperature, wind velocity, humidity and/or solar effects. The sensor simulates a human body with normal covering for the prevailing real temperature, and electrical circuits are responsive to changes in effective temperatures due to these environmental factors. In one embodiment, the inner surface of the sensor is maintained at a selected constant temperature. The temperature associated therewith provides an error signal if a temperature differences is noted, this error signal causing current to flow to heat dissipaters to restore the select constant temperature. The amount of power required to maintain the selected temperature is a measure of the effect of the environmental factors and therefore relatable to chill temperature and/or chill effect. In another embodiment, a constant current is directed to a heater element within the sensor and a temperature sensor monitors the ambient temperature.

US Patent:

47026170, Oct 27, 1987

Filed:

Mar 10, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/838284

Inventors:

Austin A. Crabtree - Rockwood TN
James R. Crabtree - Rockwood TN
Jeffrey Crabtree - Rockwood TN

International Classification:

G01K 300
G06F 1520

US Classification:

374109

Abstract:

A meter for determining chill temperature and/or comfort index. This meter utilizes a composite sensor that is responsive to the environmental factors that produce a chill temperature as perceived by a person in that environment. Specifically, the sensor is responsive to the combined effects of wind velocity, real temperature, solar radiation and humidity. In the most general embodiment, the output signal from the sensor is fed to a programmed microprocessor wherein that signal is repetitively sampled, averaged and converted to an appropriate signal so as to be appropriately displayed. In order to prevent adverse affects upon the average by spurious large signals, the microprocessor is programmed to limit any sample signal to a value that differs from the average by only a selected amount. The normal signal from the sensor is proportional to the square root of the power, and the microprocessor first squares that signal prior to the averaging step. Since the sensor produces an analog signal, and the microprocessor uses digital signals, an analog-to-digital converter is used.