US4964302A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tactile sensor
Assignee: Bonneville Scientific Inc
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Filing: 1984-09-25
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Granted: 1990-10-23
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Expires: 2004-09-25
Abstract
Abstract A sensor comprising a deformable medium, such as rubber, an ultrasonic transducer for transmitting a signal through the medium to a face of the medium and for sensing an echo of the signal returned from the face through the material to the transducer and circuit means for determining the time differential between transmission of the signal and return of the echo and for converting the time signal into a distance measurement.
Inventors
- 👤 Allen R. Grahn
- 👤 Lynn Astle
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 14:37
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01B; G01B17/00; G01B17/04; G01L; G01L1/00; G01L1/25; G01L1/255; G01L11/00; G01L11/04; G01N; G01N29/00; G01N29/04; G01N29/07; G01N2291/00; G01N2291/02; G01N2291/028; G01N2291/02827; G01N2291/02854; G01N2291/02872; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S310/00; Y10S310/80
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
87 words
A sensor comprising a deformable medium; ultrasonic transducer means for transmitting an ultrasonic signal at one point into the said medium and for receiving an echo returned after said ultrasonic signal has been transmitted and returned from a surface of the medium opposite said one point; and current means for determining the time differential between transmission of the signal and the receipt of the echo and for converting said time differential into a distance measurement for determining deformation of the medium and for determining the echo polarity.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
87 words
A sensor comprising a deformable medium; ultrasonic transducer means for transmitting an ultrasonic signal at one point into the said medium and for receiving an echo returned after said ultrasonic signal has been transmitted and returned from a surface of the medium opposite said one point; and current means for determining the time differential between transmission of the signal and the receipt of the echo and for converting said time differential into a distance measurement for determining deformation of the medium and for determining the echo polarity.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
A sensor as in claim 1, wherein the deformable medium comprises a layer of resilient material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
A sensor as in claim 2, wherein the layer of resilient material is an elastomer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
A sensor as in claim 3, wherein the layer of resilient material is rubber.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
A sensor as in claim 3, wherein the layer of resilient material is silicone rubber.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
A sensor as in claim 3, wherein the layer of resilient material is natural rubber.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
A sensor as in claim 3, wherein the layer of resilient material is synthetic rubber.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
A sensor as in claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic transducer means comprises a layer of polyvinylidene fluoride.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
A sensor as in claim 2, wherein the ultrasonic transducer means comprises a layer of polyvinylidene fluoride.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-10-22 | 1994-04-23 | 1994-10-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-10-22 | 1998-04-23 | 1998-10-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-10-22 | 2002-04-23 | 2002-10-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |