For some time now, infrared thermometers, such as those manufactured by Everest Interscience, have been used to measure temperatures under less-than-ideal conditions.  A major problem with infrared thermometers that frustrates the end users and prevents more widespread acceptance of infrared thermometry is the fact that the infrared measurement beam from the instrument is infrared so it is invisible and cannot be pinpointed on the target.  Substantial errors can result if even a small portion of the infrared radiation comes from an object other than the intended target. The target must completely fill the instrument’s entire field-of-view (FOV) to obtain an accurate reading.   

One solution to this problem is the use of a small laser beam or a telescopic sight.  However, these sighting systems are of limited value because they do not show the size of the target but only its center point.  Also, laser line pointers are of limited usefulness because they are projected from a different place on the infrared thermometer than the infrared beam, which produces unacceptable parallax error.  Most importantly, they tell nothing about the size or shape of the infrared beam. 

Everest Interscience has solved this problem by using a new targeting system.  U. S. Patent No. 7,355,178 covers their "Infrared Thermometer With Through-The-Lens Visible Targeting System."  The formal Letters Patent will be dated April 8, 2008.  With this system, a pulsating Light Emitting Diode (LED) light is projected through the infrared optics, presenting a true, visible picture of the infrared FOV at any distance.  And, since both the infrared signal and the light share the same optics, the sighting light can never be accidentally knocked out of alignment.  They both have the same FOV at all distances.  Now, for the first time, you can see exactly where the IRT is pointed and where a measurement is being made.  

Because of aiming technique improvements, infrared thermometers have become dependable temperature-measurement instruments.  Instrument accuracy makes infrared thermometers useful in many precision research applications such as in research in natural environment science. For instance, in plant pathology research, the infrared thermometers with the Intra-Optical Light Sighting can focus on an individual leaf or stem.  In agronomy applications, the infrared thermometers can be used to measure crop canopies to aid in irrigation scheduling.  The Intra-Optical Light Sighting System takes the guesswork out of infrared thermometry by providing a viable aiming technique.

Another plus for Everest Infrared Thermometers is that they are available with a variable focus feature, the Vario-Zooom™.  This enables an infrared thermometer to be used for a variety of applications as the focus can be changed and set for individual applications.  This makes it unnecessary to have different infrared thermometers or sensors for different applications.

For more information, please contact Everest Interscience.  We would be happy to assist you with a possible application.