Ultrasonic distance sensor and monitoring of surface profile utilizing ultrasonic distance sensor
June 8, 2009. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 3184969 3548642 3745833 3910104 Method and apparatus for ultrasonically measuring deviation from straightness, or wall curvature or axial curvature, of an elongated member Device for accurate measurement of the dimensions of an object by ultrasonic waves Ultrasonic transducer with reference reflector Liquid level sensor Method and device for determining the geometrical outline of the underwater part of icebergs and the draught thereof Sonic ranging systems to eliminate errors due to variations in the sound velocity in the medium InventorsAssigneeApplicationNo. 364573 filed on 06/08/1989US Classes:73/597, Velocity or propagation time measurement73/622, Of tubing, vessel, or cylindrical object73/644, Having significant coupling means367/104, By transducer movement367/902SPEED OF SOUND COMPENSATIONExaminersPrimary: Chapman, Jeanette E.Attorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassG01N 029/00Foreign Application Priority Data1985-10-21 JPAbstractAn ultrasonic distance sensor generates ultrasonic waves and transmit same toward a target surface, the distance to which is to be measured, through a predetermined path. The sensor is also provided with a reference surface which reflects ultrasonic waves, which reference surface is disposed within the aforementioned predetermined path of the ultrasonic waves. A receiver associated with delayed pulse generators receives the ultrasonic waves reflected by the reference surface or by the target surface, selectively. Arithmetic operations based on the elapsed time between transmission of the ultrasonic waves and reception of the ultrasonic waves from the reference surface derive the transmission velocity of the ultrasonic wave based on the known distance to the reference surface. On the basis of the derived transmission velocity and the elapsed time measured with respect to the ultrasonic waves reflected by the target surface, the distance to the target surface is derived. The aforementioned ultrasonic sensor is used to monitor the external shape of an object. In order to monitor the external shape of the object, a system is composed of a plurality of the ultrasonic sensors. The sensors comprises a primary sensor or sensors directed toward the external surface of the object and an auxiliary sensor or sensors directed to a reference line.Other References
Field of SearchVelocity or propagation time measurementOf tubing, vessel, or cylindrical object Having plural sonic type transmitter or receiver transducers By reflected wave Having unitary sonic type transmitter-receiver transducer Along cylindrical object Plural sonic transmitters or receivers Having significant coupling means Switched INSPECTING TESTING, MONITORING, OR CALIBRATING Distance or direction finding With beam steering, scanning, or focussing By transducer movement SPEED OF SOUND COMPENSATION | |
