Industrial Manufacturing News

The invention of the Vario-Zooom variable focus infrared thermometer with a visible sighting system arose from a long-time need in the field of infrared thermometry. Other conventional infrared thermometers (IRT's) have been unable to precisely align the infrared sensor on the target and identify the exact target area being measured. The new optical system by Everest provides the first IRT system capable of visible identification of the target area. This is required for an accurate optical alignment between the IRT and the target for precision measurements.

It is well known in the industry that infrared surface temperature measurement reading errors can result from improper alignment of the IRT with the target. When the optical system of the infrared thermometer is not pointing directly at the target, the detector collects energy coming from the target and the background, thereby providing an erroneous reading. What's more, since the infrared beam is not visible to the human eye, the alignment of the IRT with the target cannot be visually controlled with conventional infrared sensors.

The optical system of the field-variable-focus IRT also includes a baffle for reducing background radiation received from sources other than the target. Since the infrared sensor reads the surface temperature of the first object it "sees," this is vitally important if an operator is to receive a true reading of the target.

With Everest's Intra-Optical Through-The-Lens targeting system, the exact location and dimensions of the target area under test are precisely identified. This is true not only under static conditions but also under variable imaging conditions, which may result when re-focusing an infrared sensor. Therefore, according to U. S. Patent No. 7,355,178, the new optical system by Everest, "can perform errorless measurements of targets located at variable distances from the IRT." And, these same precision measurements can be obtained on the same target with variable spatial resolution.

With this new optical system, possibilities for new applications for infrared thermometers are endless. If you have a new application for infrared thermometry and want to get an infrared sensor to market to fulfill this need, please contact Everest Interscience. We can discuss the possibility of licensing this new technology or designing an instrument for you that will get your new product to market in weeks instead of months.