US20080019217A1 - Sonar transducer - Google Patents
Sonar transducer Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080019217A1 US20080019217A1 US11/337,828 US33782806A US2008019217A1 US 20080019217 A1 US20080019217 A1 US 20080019217A1 US 33782806 A US33782806 A US 33782806A US 2008019217 A1 US2008019217 A1 US 2008019217A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- housing
- diaphragm
- sonar
- sonar transducer
- transducer
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
- G01F23/22—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water
- G01F23/28—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring the variations of parameters of electromagnetic or acoustic waves applied directly to the liquid or fluent solid material
- G01F23/296—Acoustic waves
- G01F23/2968—Transducers specially adapted for acoustic level indicators
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
- G01F23/22—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water
- G01F23/28—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring the variations of parameters of electromagnetic or acoustic waves applied directly to the liquid or fluent solid material
- G01F23/296—Acoustic waves
- G01F23/2962—Measuring transit time of reflected waves
Definitions
- the present invention relates to generally to industrial interface measurement devices, and more particularly to a measurement device using a sonar transducer to measure fluid to fluid, fluid to solid and fluid to gas interfaces in various industrial applications.
- a piezoelectric crystal can be used as a transducer to emit a sonic or ultrasonic acoustic wave when excited by an AC voltage.
- Such a device may be used for determination of the distance of an object through the placement of a detector which senses when the emitted acoustic wave has reached the detector. Based on the time it takes the acoustic wave to reach the detector as well as the speed of the acoustic wave within the transmission medium, the distance from the source of the wave to the detector may be calculated. It is also known that the level of a liquid within a storage container may be determined through the use of a similar device and the concept of echo ranging. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
- the system includes an ultrasonic transducer mounted at the top of a storage tank which directs an acoustic wave through the air down into a storage tank toward the surface of the liquid to be measured. Once the acoustic wave reaches the surface of the liquid, the wave's frequency is such that it will be reflected back toward the device which is equipped with a receiver to detect the reflected wave. The receiver thus detects the echo from the surface of the liquid and, based on the time for the signal to reach the surface of the liquid and return, calculates the distance from the ultrasonic transducer to the surface of the liquid.
- an object of this invention to provide a sonar transducer which detects the presence of an object or material and is resistant to malfunction or deterioration caused by changing temperature, changing pressure, corrosive environments, or a combination of these conditions.
- a sonar transducer mounted on a probe inserted in a vessel or container emits a sonar wave for measuring the level of fluid interfaces within the vessel or container.
- the sonar transducer includes a housing closed by a diaphragm at one end.
- a piezoelectric crystal located within the housing is biased against the diaphragm and is electrically connected to an energizing source.
- the travel time of the sonar wave emitted by the piezoelectric crystal and reflected by the fluid interfaces is measured.
- the sonic wave measurements are communicated to a microprocessor and the levels of the liquid interfaces within the vessel or container are calculated.
- FIG. 1 is a side view of the device of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a section view of a preferred embodiment of the ultrasonic transducer of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a section view illustrating the installation of the device of the present invention within a storage container.
- FIG. 4 is a section view of an alternate embodiment of the ultrasonic transducer of the present invention.
- the interface measurement apparatus of the invention is generally identified by the reference numeral 10 .
- the apparatus 10 includes an electronics housing 12 , a tank connector 14 , a shaft 16 and a transducer 18 mounted on the distal end of the shaft 16 .
- the transducer 18 is electrically connected to the electronics housing 12 by a wire extending through the shaft 16 .
- the transducer 18 includes a housing 20 having a generally cylindrical configuration open at a forward end thereof.
- the transducer 18 is manufactured of materials suitable to withstand harsh industrial demands and comply with regulatory requirements. Components may be selected of materials for specific application requirements and needs, such as food, corrosion, contamination, etc.
- the housing 20 material is SS316. Other suitable metals may also be used.
- a diaphragm 22 is mounted to the forward end of the housing 20 .
- the diaphragm 22 is fabricated from rolled metal sheet. However, the material choice for the diaphragm 22 depends on application requirements and environmental factors.
- the diaphragm 22 has a generally circular configuration cut out of the rolled metal sheet and stamped to include a circumferential flange 24 and a central disk portion 26 .
- An inclined circumferential wall portion 28 joins the disk portion 26 to the flange 24 .
- the diaphragm 22 is welded to the housing 20 at welding joint 30 .
- a safety ring 32 is welded on top of the peripheral edge of the flange 24 to control heat related stress and deformation of the diaphragm 22 .
- a piezoelectric crystal disk 34 is located inside the housing 20 adjacent to the diaphragm 22 .
- the crystal 34 is a generally solid cylindrical disk having flat opposed surfaces generally circular in cross-section.
- the crystal 34 is in facing contact with the inside surface of the diaphragm 22 at one end and in facing contact with an isolation washer 36 at the opposite end thereof.
- a retaining washer 38 is biased against the isolation washer 36 by a spring 40 located between the retaining washer 38 and an internal circumferential shoulder 44 formed in the lower end of the transducer housing 20 .
- An O-ring 41 is received in a circumferential internal groove 43 formed in the housing 20 near the forward end thereof. The O-ring 41 aids in centering the crystal 34 and forms a seal therewith to prevent fluid, such as oil, in the lower portion of the housing 20 from entering the upper portion of the housing 20 and coming into contact with the diaphragm 22 .
- a connector plug 42 depends downwardly from the lower end of the housing 20 and is integrally formed with the housing 20 .
- the connector plug 42 is externally threaded for connection to the shaft 16 .
- the connector plug 42 includes an axial passage 48 which terminates at the shoulder 44 of the housing 20 at the upper end thereof and the lower end of the passage 48 opens into an enlarged bore 45 formed in the connector plug 42 .
- the isolation washer 36 and retaining washer 38 include centrally located holes 56 and 57 , respectively.
- the holes 56 and 57 provides access for electrically connecting the crystal 34 to a power source to produce a sonic wave.
- the crystal 34 is electrically connected to an AC voltage source by a wire 66 extending through the tube 58 and soldered to the crystal 34 at 67 .
- the wire 66 is also soldered to the lower end of the tube 58 .
- the tube 58 is inserted into the passage 48 and sealed therein by a glass bushing 64 which is located about the tube 58 in the axial passage 48 extending through the connector plug 42 .
- the bore 43 of the connector plug 42 is filled with epoxy 45 , which epoxy 47 completely encapsulates the lower end of the tube 58 and a portion of the wire 66 .
- the epoxy 47 provides some flexibility about the wire 66 so that it may move slightly without breaking.
- the internal cavities of the transducer housing 20 are filled with a small amount of non-conductive and non-corrosive fluid through the tube 58 prior to welding the wire 66 to the lower end of the tube 58 .
- the wire 66 functions as the positive lead for energizing the crystal 34 .
- the housing 20 functions as the negative lead to complete the AC circuit.
- the crystal 34 may be biased with AC voltage at a high frequency so that it is energized and begins to vibrate. Vibration of the crystal 34 against the diaphragm 22 produces a sonic wave as is known in the art.
- the transducer 80 of FIG. 4 is substantially the same as the transducer 18 described above, so the same reference numerals are utilized to identify like components.
- the wire 66 is soldered at the lower end of the tube 58 .
- the tube 58 extends to the crystal 34 and is provided with a secondary spring spacer 60 mounted on the distal end thereof.
- the secondary spring spacer 60 is forced against the crystal 34 by a secondary spring 62 journaled about the tube 58 and compressed between the spring spacer 60 and the shoulder 44 of the housing 20 .
- the tube 58 functions as the positive lead for energizing the crystal 34 .
- the housing 18 functions as the negative lead to complete the AC circuit.
- the transducer 18 and shaft 16 of the apparatus 10 are inserted through an opening in a storage tank 70 .
- the tank connector 14 is threaded in the opening for securing the apparatus 10 to the storage tank 70 .
- the electronic housing 12 remains on the outside of the storage tank 70 and is connected to a microprocessor and display.
- the crystal 34 is energized and emits it sonar wave toward the surface of the liquid to be measured.
- the signal emitted by the transducer crystal 34 travels through the liquid and is reflected from the fluid interface(s), solids in the fluid or the inner surface of the storage tank 70 .
- the travel time of the sonar wave is measured and the level of the liquid interface(s) is calculated in a known manner. Multiple interfaces may be detected and measured, and the apparatus 10 of the invention may be mounted at various locations about the storage tank 70 .
Abstract
A sonar transducer mounted on a probe inserted in a vessel or container emits a sonar wave for measuring the level of fluid interfaces within the vessel or container. The sonar transducer includes a housing closed by a diaphragm at one end. A piezoelectric crystal located within the housing is biased against the diaphragm and is electrically connected to an energizing source. The travel time of the sonar wave emitted by the piezoelectric crystal and reflected by the fluid interfaces is measured. The sonic wave measurements are communicated to a microprocessor and the levels of the liquid interfaces within the vessel or container are calculated.
Description
- This application is a continuation of prior application Ser. No. 10/641,874, filed Aug. 15, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,990,046, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/403,628, filed Aug. 15, 2002, which application is incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates to generally to industrial interface measurement devices, and more particularly to a measurement device using a sonar transducer to measure fluid to fluid, fluid to solid and fluid to gas interfaces in various industrial applications.
- It is commonly known in the art that a piezoelectric crystal can be used as a transducer to emit a sonic or ultrasonic acoustic wave when excited by an AC voltage. Such a device may be used for determination of the distance of an object through the placement of a detector which senses when the emitted acoustic wave has reached the detector. Based on the time it takes the acoustic wave to reach the detector as well as the speed of the acoustic wave within the transmission medium, the distance from the source of the wave to the detector may be calculated. It is also known that the level of a liquid within a storage container may be determined through the use of a similar device and the concept of echo ranging. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,834,233 to Willis et al. discloses such a system. The system includes an ultrasonic transducer mounted at the top of a storage tank which directs an acoustic wave through the air down into a storage tank toward the surface of the liquid to be measured. Once the acoustic wave reaches the surface of the liquid, the wave's frequency is such that it will be reflected back toward the device which is equipped with a receiver to detect the reflected wave. The receiver thus detects the echo from the surface of the liquid and, based on the time for the signal to reach the surface of the liquid and return, calculates the distance from the ultrasonic transducer to the surface of the liquid.
- However, such systems are not without their problems. Because such systems typically transmit the acoustic wave through a gaseous medium above the surface of the liquid to be measured, lower operating frequencies are required in order that the transmitted wave will be reflected at the liquid surface. These lower operating frequencies are less accurate in making distance measurements than higher frequencies. Such prior art systems have also been plagued by false signals received at the detector which did not originate from the device (such as outside noise) or which were not reflected from the material surface (i.e., reflected from the sides of the storage container). Prior art systems have also been plagued by the harsh conditions typically found within many industrial storage containers, particularly those storing corrosive substances. The quality of the device operation and the length of time these prior art detectors are able to maintain operation in such harsh environments result in their frequent malfunction and necessary replacement. Corrosive environments are especially hard on devices employing welded joints, epoxies or adhesives in their structures since it is at these points that corrosive effects are first manifested. Not only does the corrosive material itself decrease the operating life of such devices, but also changes in the operating environment of the device, including temperature and pressure changes, adversely affect such devices.
- Finally, such prior art systems have been adversely affected by excessive dispersion of the emitted ultrasonic measurement beam such that the emitted signal is not strong enough to be reflected back to the device from a great distance (i.e. when the material in the storage container is at a low level). A weak emitted signal may also be caused by poor signal transfer within the device from the crystal to the emitting diaphragm. Another cause of poor device performance occurs when the detector radiates the transmitted signal in a number of directions, rather than in a narrow, focused beam, thereby increasing the possibility of falsely detecting reflected waves (e.g. from the storage container walls). The prior art has employed a variety of damping materials in various configurations to try and alleviate some of these problems. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,121,628, issued to Merkl et al. employs one such damping approach using lead pellets. For better signal transfer, the prior art has used bonding agents such as epoxies or solder, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,000,650, issued to Snyder
- It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a sonar transducer which detects the presence of an object or material and is resistant to malfunction or deterioration caused by changing temperature, changing pressure, corrosive environments, or a combination of these conditions.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide a sonar transducer which is installed within the fluid it is designed to measure.
- It is still another object of the present invention to provide a sonar transducer which has greater accuracy than that provided by existing devices.
- It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a sonar transducer with improved signal transfer, focus and strength resulting in a larger measurement range.
- It is still another object of the present invention to provide a sonar transducer having an improved, smaller size.
- It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a sonar transducer which can measure the material level of the contents within a storage container.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide a sonar fluid-level detector which may be installed from the top, bottom, or side of a storage container.
- In accordance with the present invention a sonar transducer mounted on a probe inserted in a vessel or container emits a sonar wave for measuring the level of fluid interfaces within the vessel or container. The sonar transducer includes a housing closed by a diaphragm at one end. A piezoelectric crystal located within the housing is biased against the diaphragm and is electrically connected to an energizing source. The travel time of the sonar wave emitted by the piezoelectric crystal and reflected by the fluid interfaces is measured. The sonic wave measurements are communicated to a microprocessor and the levels of the liquid interfaces within the vessel or container are calculated.
- So that the manner in which the above recited features, advantages and objects of the present invention are attained can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings.
- It is noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
-
FIG. 1 is a side view of the device of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a section view of a preferred embodiment of the ultrasonic transducer of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is a section view illustrating the installation of the device of the present invention within a storage container; and -
FIG. 4 is a section view of an alternate embodiment of the ultrasonic transducer of the present invention. - Referring first to
FIG. 1 , the interface measurement apparatus of the invention is generally identified by thereference numeral 10. Theapparatus 10 includes anelectronics housing 12, atank connector 14, ashaft 16 and atransducer 18 mounted on the distal end of theshaft 16. Thetransducer 18 is electrically connected to theelectronics housing 12 by a wire extending through theshaft 16. - Referring now to
FIG. 2 , thetransducer 18 is shown in greater detail. Thetransducer 18 includes ahousing 20 having a generally cylindrical configuration open at a forward end thereof. Thetransducer 18 is manufactured of materials suitable to withstand harsh industrial demands and comply with regulatory requirements. Components may be selected of materials for specific application requirements and needs, such as food, corrosion, contamination, etc. In the preferred embodiment, thehousing 20 material is SS316. Other suitable metals may also be used. - A
diaphragm 22 is mounted to the forward end of thehousing 20. Thediaphragm 22 is fabricated from rolled metal sheet. However, the material choice for thediaphragm 22 depends on application requirements and environmental factors. Thediaphragm 22 has a generally circular configuration cut out of the rolled metal sheet and stamped to include acircumferential flange 24 and acentral disk portion 26. An inclinedcircumferential wall portion 28 joins thedisk portion 26 to theflange 24. Thediaphragm 22 is welded to thehousing 20 at welding joint 30. Asafety ring 32 is welded on top of the peripheral edge of theflange 24 to control heat related stress and deformation of thediaphragm 22. - Referring still to
FIG. 2 , apiezoelectric crystal disk 34 is located inside thehousing 20 adjacent to thediaphragm 22. Thecrystal 34 is a generally solid cylindrical disk having flat opposed surfaces generally circular in cross-section. Thecrystal 34 is in facing contact with the inside surface of thediaphragm 22 at one end and in facing contact with anisolation washer 36 at the opposite end thereof. A retainingwasher 38 is biased against theisolation washer 36 by aspring 40 located between the retainingwasher 38 and an internalcircumferential shoulder 44 formed in the lower end of thetransducer housing 20. An O-ring 41 is received in a circumferentialinternal groove 43 formed in thehousing 20 near the forward end thereof. The O-ring 41 aids in centering thecrystal 34 and forms a seal therewith to prevent fluid, such as oil, in the lower portion of thehousing 20 from entering the upper portion of thehousing 20 and coming into contact with thediaphragm 22. - A
connector plug 42 depends downwardly from the lower end of thehousing 20 and is integrally formed with thehousing 20. Theconnector plug 42 is externally threaded for connection to theshaft 16. Theconnector plug 42 includes anaxial passage 48 which terminates at theshoulder 44 of thehousing 20 at the upper end thereof and the lower end of thepassage 48 opens into anenlarged bore 45 formed in theconnector plug 42. - The
isolation washer 36 and retainingwasher 38 include centrally locatedholes holes crystal 34 to a power source to produce a sonic wave. Thecrystal 34 is electrically connected to an AC voltage source by awire 66 extending through thetube 58 and soldered to thecrystal 34 at 67. Thewire 66 is also soldered to the lower end of thetube 58. Thetube 58 is inserted into thepassage 48 and sealed therein by aglass bushing 64 which is located about thetube 58 in theaxial passage 48 extending through theconnector plug 42. Thebore 43 of theconnector plug 42 is filled withepoxy 45, which epoxy 47 completely encapsulates the lower end of thetube 58 and a portion of thewire 66. The epoxy 47 provides some flexibility about thewire 66 so that it may move slightly without breaking. - The internal cavities of the
transducer housing 20 are filled with a small amount of non-conductive and non-corrosive fluid through thetube 58 prior to welding thewire 66 to the lower end of thetube 58. Thewire 66 functions as the positive lead for energizing thecrystal 34. Thehousing 20 functions as the negative lead to complete the AC circuit. Thecrystal 34 may be biased with AC voltage at a high frequency so that it is energized and begins to vibrate. Vibration of thecrystal 34 against thediaphragm 22 produces a sonic wave as is known in the art. - Referring now to
FIG. 4 , an alternate embodiment of the invention is shown. The transducer 80 ofFIG. 4 is substantially the same as thetransducer 18 described above, so the same reference numerals are utilized to identify like components. In the embodiment ofFIG. 4 , thewire 66 is soldered at the lower end of thetube 58. Thetube 58 extends to thecrystal 34 and is provided with asecondary spring spacer 60 mounted on the distal end thereof. Thesecondary spring spacer 60 is forced against thecrystal 34 by asecondary spring 62 journaled about thetube 58 and compressed between thespring spacer 60 and theshoulder 44 of thehousing 20. In the embodiment ofFIG. 4 , thetube 58 functions as the positive lead for energizing thecrystal 34. Thehousing 18 functions as the negative lead to complete the AC circuit. - Referring now to
FIG. 3 , use of theinterface measurement apparatus 10 of the invention is illustrated. Thetransducer 18 andshaft 16 of theapparatus 10 are inserted through an opening in astorage tank 70. Thetank connector 14 is threaded in the opening for securing theapparatus 10 to thestorage tank 70. Theelectronic housing 12 remains on the outside of thestorage tank 70 and is connected to a microprocessor and display. Upon set up and calibration of theapparatus 10, thecrystal 34 is energized and emits it sonar wave toward the surface of the liquid to be measured. The signal emitted by thetransducer crystal 34 travels through the liquid and is reflected from the fluid interface(s), solids in the fluid or the inner surface of thestorage tank 70. The travel time of the sonar wave is measured and the level of the liquid interface(s) is calculated in a known manner. Multiple interfaces may be detected and measured, and theapparatus 10 of the invention may be mounted at various locations about thestorage tank 70. - While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims which follow.
Claims (6)
1. A sonar transducer for detecting the level of liquid to liquid and liquid to solid interfaces in a container, comprising:
a) a housing;
b) a diaphragm for emitting a sonar wave through a fluid, said diaphragm being welded across an end of said housing;
c) an annular ring surrounding said diaphragm;
d) a piezoelectric crystal located within said housing adjacent to said diaphragm;
e) means for biasing said piezoelectric crystal against said diaphragm; and
f) means for electrically connecting said piezoelectric crystal to an energizing source.
2. The sonar transducer of claim 1 wherein said biasing means comprises a spring mounted within said housing.
3. The sonar transducer of claim 2 including an isolation disk located adjacent said piezoelectric crystal.
4. The sonar transducer of claim 1 including a single electrical connector connecting said piezoelectric crystal to said energizing source.
5. The sonar transducer of claim 3 including a retaining washer located adjacent said isolation disk.
6. The sonar transducer of claim 1 wherein said biasing means comprises primary and secondary springs mounted within said housing.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/337,828 US20080019217A1 (en) | 2002-08-15 | 2006-01-23 | Sonar transducer |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US40362802P | 2002-08-15 | 2002-08-15 | |
US10/641,874 US6990046B2 (en) | 2002-08-15 | 2003-08-15 | Sonar transducer |
US11/337,828 US20080019217A1 (en) | 2002-08-15 | 2006-01-23 | Sonar transducer |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/641,874 Continuation US6990046B2 (en) | 2002-08-15 | 2003-08-15 | Sonar transducer |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20080019217A1 true US20080019217A1 (en) | 2008-01-24 |
Family
ID=32717110
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/641,874 Expired - Lifetime US6990046B2 (en) | 2002-08-15 | 2003-08-15 | Sonar transducer |
US11/337,828 Abandoned US20080019217A1 (en) | 2002-08-15 | 2006-01-23 | Sonar transducer |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/641,874 Expired - Lifetime US6990046B2 (en) | 2002-08-15 | 2003-08-15 | Sonar transducer |
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US (2) | US6990046B2 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110303418A1 (en) * | 2010-06-11 | 2011-12-15 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Method and apparatus for reducing impact force in a ball-seat assembly |
US8678098B2 (en) | 2010-11-12 | 2014-03-25 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Magnetically coupled actuation apparatus and method |
US10811590B1 (en) | 2016-06-23 | 2020-10-20 | Plastipak Packaging, Inc. | Containers with sensing and/or communication features |
Families Citing this family (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6990046B2 (en) * | 2002-08-15 | 2006-01-24 | Gluszyk Jozef J | Sonar transducer |
EP2088395A1 (en) * | 2008-02-08 | 2009-08-12 | Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO | Measurement of the thickness of a liquid layer. |
GB2472083A (en) * | 2009-07-24 | 2011-01-26 | Wayne Rudd | Apparatus and methods for determining the location of an interface in a medium |
US9880131B2 (en) * | 2010-07-15 | 2018-01-30 | Dow Global Technologies Llc | Liquid-liquid separator interface detection system and polymerization process utilizing the same |
US9327221B2 (en) * | 2012-05-09 | 2016-05-03 | Dow Global Technologies Llc | Liquid-liquid separator interface detection system and polymerization process utilizing the same |
US10072963B1 (en) * | 2014-07-11 | 2018-09-11 | Nick V. Solokhin | Ultrasonic volume-sensing transducer instrument with concave transceiver element |
DE102015101299A1 (en) * | 2015-01-29 | 2016-08-04 | Vorwerk & Co. Interholding Gmbh | Electric kitchen appliance |
EP3070468A1 (en) * | 2015-03-19 | 2016-09-21 | Imal S.R.L. | Ultrasonic transmitter |
TWI686226B (en) * | 2018-11-22 | 2020-03-01 | 國立臺灣大學 | Ultrasonic cell stimulation device |
EP4083583A1 (en) * | 2021-04-30 | 2022-11-02 | Tekelek Group Holdings Limited | An ultrasonic distance sensor and a method for protecting an ultrasonic transducer in an ultrasonic distance sensor |
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---|---|---|---|---|
US3834233A (en) * | 1971-11-05 | 1974-09-10 | Wilson Walton Int Ltd | Apparatus for measuring the level of the contents of a container |
US5962592A (en) * | 1995-05-03 | 1999-10-05 | Phillips Petroleum Company | Ethylene copolymer compositions |
US5962952A (en) * | 1995-11-03 | 1999-10-05 | Coherent Technologies, Inc. | Ultrasonic transducer |
US6246154B1 (en) * | 1996-11-01 | 2001-06-12 | Coherent Technologies | Ultrasonic transducer |
US6585659B1 (en) * | 1999-09-10 | 2003-07-01 | Hypertension Diagnostics, Inc. | Pressure-wave sensor with a leveling support element |
US20040136271A1 (en) * | 2002-08-15 | 2004-07-15 | Gluszyk Jozef J. | Sonar transducer |
-
2003
- 2003-08-15 US US10/641,874 patent/US6990046B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2006
- 2006-01-23 US US11/337,828 patent/US20080019217A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3834233A (en) * | 1971-11-05 | 1974-09-10 | Wilson Walton Int Ltd | Apparatus for measuring the level of the contents of a container |
US5962592A (en) * | 1995-05-03 | 1999-10-05 | Phillips Petroleum Company | Ethylene copolymer compositions |
US5962952A (en) * | 1995-11-03 | 1999-10-05 | Coherent Technologies, Inc. | Ultrasonic transducer |
US6246154B1 (en) * | 1996-11-01 | 2001-06-12 | Coherent Technologies | Ultrasonic transducer |
US6585659B1 (en) * | 1999-09-10 | 2003-07-01 | Hypertension Diagnostics, Inc. | Pressure-wave sensor with a leveling support element |
US20040136271A1 (en) * | 2002-08-15 | 2004-07-15 | Gluszyk Jozef J. | Sonar transducer |
US6990046B2 (en) * | 2002-08-15 | 2006-01-24 | Gluszyk Jozef J | Sonar transducer |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110303418A1 (en) * | 2010-06-11 | 2011-12-15 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Method and apparatus for reducing impact force in a ball-seat assembly |
US8678098B2 (en) | 2010-11-12 | 2014-03-25 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Magnetically coupled actuation apparatus and method |
US10811590B1 (en) | 2016-06-23 | 2020-10-20 | Plastipak Packaging, Inc. | Containers with sensing and/or communication features |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20040136271A1 (en) | 2004-07-15 |
US6990046B2 (en) | 2006-01-24 |
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