Patent US5168762A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5168762A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Speed measurement device
Assignee: ADVANTICA INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY Ltd
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Filing: 1991-04-22
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Granted: 1992-12-08
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Expires: 2011-04-22
Abstract
Abstract A fluid speed measurement device includes a pair of ultrasonic transducers (T1, T2) spaced in a measuring chamber. A transmitter and receiver system is controlled by a microprocessor (100) which generates pulses which periodically invert and these are switched by switches (140, 150) to allow alternate direction of transmission. Reception and detection of signals is effected by blocks (152-168). Time calculation is determined by counter (109) and results are used to calculate flow speed or volume using the microprocessor. A speed increase in the measurement region is effected using a venturi device.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael J. Gill
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 17:23
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01P; G01P5/00; G01P5/24; G01P5/245; G01F; G01F1/00; G01F1/66; G01F1/662; G01F1/667
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
128 words
Apparatus for measuring the volume flow of a fluid flowing through a duct and comprising: first and second transducer means disposed in the duct and spaced one from the other to define an acoustic signal path therebetween; means arranged to increase the flow speed of the fluid in the duct in the region of and along the acoustic path, the transducer means being mounted within the duct so that the fluid path and acoustic path in the increased speed duct region are coaxial; means for generating a phase reversal signal for the acoustic signals to provide a timing marker signal therefor; and means for switching the acoustic signals so that the first and second transducer means transmit and receive acoustic signals in both directions along the acoustic path.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
128 words
Apparatus for measuring the volume flow of a fluid flowing through a duct and comprising: first and second transducer means disposed in the duct and spaced one from the other to define an acoustic signal path therebetween; means arranged to increase the flow speed of the fluid in the duct in the region of and along the acoustic path, the transducer means being mounted within the duct so that the fluid path and acoustic path in the increased speed duct region are coaxial; means for generating a phase reversal signal for the acoustic signals to provide a timing marker signal therefor; and means for switching the acoustic signals so that the first and second transducer means transmit and receive acoustic signals in both directions along the acoustic path.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the duct is substantially cylindrical and a conduit is provided within the duct to effect the fluid speed increase therethrough, the transducer means being arranged to provide the acoustic path through the conduit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein a settling chamber coaxial with the conduit is provided with the substantially cylindrical duct.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein filter means are provided to assist in settling of the fluid flow.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus as claimed in one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the conduit terminates at each end with an internal diameter greater than that of the remainder of the conduit.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
116 words
Apparatus for measuring the volume flow of a fluid through a duct and comprising: a settling chamber within the duct to reduce turbulence of the fluid, a conduit within the duct arranged coaxially of the settling chamber and configured to increase the fluid speed therethrough, the conduit terminating at each end with an internal diameter greater than that of the remainder of the conduit, first and second transducer means disposed in the duct and arranged to transmit and receive acoustic signals along the fluid flow path in the conduit; and means for switching the direction of transmission of the acoustic signals so that the acoustic path is alternately with and against the fluid flow path direction.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
116 words
Apparatus for measuring the volume flow of a fluid through a duct and comprising: a settling chamber within the duct to reduce turbulence of the fluid, a conduit within the duct arranged coaxially of the settling chamber and configured to increase the fluid speed therethrough, the conduit terminating at each end with an internal diameter greater than that of the remainder of the conduit, first and second transducer means disposed in the duct and arranged to transmit and receive acoustic signals along the fluid flow path in the conduit; and means for switching the direction of transmission of the acoustic signals so that the acoustic path is alternately with and against the fluid flow path direction.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 6, including filter means for assisting in settling fluid disturbances.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the filter means is annular and of a gauze construction.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 6, 7 or 8, wherein generator means are provided for generating a phase reversal signal for the acoustic signals to provide a timing marker therefor.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 6, 7 or 8, wherein one transducer is mounted on a sleeve within the duct and is provided with a winged portion.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
55 words
Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 6, 7 or 8, wherein generator means are provided to generate the acoustic signals in the form of a series of pulses, at least one of which having a different phase to the remainder and means are provided for calculating the flow using the generated acoustic signals.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
102 words
Apparatus for measuring the flow of a fluid through a duct and comprising: a conduit within the duct configured to increase the fluid speed therethrough, first and second transducer means disposed in the duct and arranged to transmit and receive acoustic signals along the fluid flow path in the conduit; means for switching the direction or transmission of the acoustic signals so that the acoustic path is alternately with and against the fluid flow path direction; and wherein the conduit includes a portion of larger external diameter to provide a restricted passage between the conduit and the duct to influence fluid flow.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
102 words
Apparatus for measuring the flow of a fluid through a duct and comprising: a conduit within the duct configured to increase the fluid speed therethrough, first and second transducer means disposed in the duct and arranged to transmit and receive acoustic signals along the fluid flow path in the conduit; means for switching the direction or transmission of the acoustic signals so that the acoustic path is alternately with and against the fluid flow path direction; and wherein the conduit includes a portion of larger external diameter to provide a restricted passage between the conduit and the duct to influence fluid flow.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the conduit terminates at each end with an internal diameter greater than that of the remainder of the conduit.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus as claimed in one of claims 12 or 13 wherein means are provided for generating a timing marker signal for the acoustic signals.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
63 words
Apparatus for measuring the flow of a fluid through a duct and comprising: a measuring tube within the duct; a pair of ultrasonic transducers arranged to provide signals through the fluid within the measuring tube, each of the transducer being configured to both transmit and receive signals; and the fluid entry point of the tube includes a tapering portion of reducing internal diameter.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
63 words
Apparatus for measuring the flow of a fluid through a duct and comprising: a measuring tube within the duct; a pair of ultrasonic transducers arranged to provide signals through the fluid within the measuring tube, each of the transducer being configured to both transmit and receive signals; and the fluid entry point of the tube includes a tapering portion of reducing internal diameter.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the exit point of the tube includes a tapering portion of increasing internal diameter.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as claimed in one of claims 15 or 16 wherein at least one transducer is provided external of the measuring tube.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-12-08 | 1996-06-08 | 1996-12-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-12-08 | 2000-06-08 | 2000-12-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-12-08 | 2004-06-08 | 2004-12-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |