About the Invention

Imagine that with one hand you are touching a piece of metal and with the other, a piece of wood. Which material would feel colder? If you said, "metal," you would be correct. But, in fact, both materials are in fact the same temperature. Congratulations! You have just learned about relative thermal conductivity. Metal has a higher heat transfer ability, or thermal conductivity, than wood, letting the heat from your hand leave faster.

The TC Probe™ works in the same way as your hand to measure the thermal conductivity of many different materials such as foams, insulation, pastes, adhesives, polymers, ceramics, glass, silicone and natural fibers. The TC Probe™ is an electronic device with a sensor that generates heat. A sample is placed on the sensor (which is built into a small portable box) and within seconds, the sample absorbs some of the heat from the sensors. The rest of the heat causes a temperature rise within the sensor, which is then measured, showing the thermal properties of the sample. Of all instruments on the market, the TC Probe™ can test without destroying the sample, and has the fastest results.

Nancy Mathis invented the technology that makes the TC Probe™ work. The invention was the result of her Ph.D. research at the University of New Brunswick. "I was given samples to test for the National Research Council lab and no instrument was suitable due to the size of the parts. Together with my supervisor, Jules Picot, we devised the instrument." The first prototype unit was built in 1993-94, and in 1994 Nancy had the beginnings of a company.

In 1995, the company started to produce a market-ready version of the prototype. Initially, the units were produced one at a time, then in batches of five. Now they are produced in batches of thirty and sold worldwide.

Before the TC Probe™ came to market, testing insulation and heat transfer materials for computers took hours and now it takes seconds. Now, for the first time, manufacturers can run thermal conductivity tests on a production line. The TC Probe™ is used by companies such as IBM, Pioneer and Whirlpool. Because of the TC Probe™, appliances can be made more energy-efficient and computers can be built to have a longer life span.

About the Inventor

A Prince Edward Islander by birth, Nancy now makes her home in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Giving back to the community is something that Nancy passionately believes in. In 1993, following the birth of her baby, Nancy started a campus daycare at the University of New Brunswick (this included the building of the daycare building and the hiring of staff). She was the daycare's first president, and is still a director.

Church involvement has always been a part of Nancy's life. She has been a Sunday school teacher or youth group leader since she was 15. She says that she loves being with a dozen preschoolers. Her classes, her church and her faith provide a "grounding" and a center for her life.

Nancy Mathis is recognized for her innovative research abilities that capitalize on current marketplace demands. As with all true entrepreneurs, Nancy always willingly shares her experiences and knowledge with others. She has collaborated with other researchers to produce new thermal analysis data and technical papers. She is also involved in a variety of committee and information groups both in New Brunswick and nationally.

She is delighted that her invention was able to develop a business that provides employment for seventeen people as well as her husband and herself.