| Sonar transducer -> Monitor Keywords |
|
|
 
Sonar transducerRelated Patent Categories: Communications, Electrical: Acoustic Wave Systems And Devices, Signal Transducers, Underwater Type, Transducer With DiaphragmSonar transducer description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20080019217, Sonar transducer. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] 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. BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE [0002] 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. [0003] 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. [0004] 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. [0005] 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 [0006] 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. [0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide a sonar transducer which is installed within the fluid it is designed to measure. [0008] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a sonar transducer which has greater accuracy than that provided by existing devices. [0009] 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. [0010] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a sonar transducer having an improved, smaller size. [0011] 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. [0012] 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. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0013] 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. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0014] 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. [0015] 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. [0016] FIG. 1 is a side view of the device of the present invention; [0017] FIG. 2 is a section view of a preferred embodiment of the ultrasonic transducer of the present invention; [0018] FIG. 3 is a section view illustrating the installation of the device of the present invention within a storage container; and [0019] FIG. 4 is a section view of an alternate embodiment of the ultrasonic transducer of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Continue reading about Sonar transducer... Full patent description for Sonar transducer Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Sonar transducer patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Sonar transducer or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Method of generating directional low frequency acoustic signals and reflected signal detection enhancements for seismic while drilling applications Next Patent Application: Pulsometer worn on wrist and associated control method Industry Class: Communications, electrical: acoustic wave systems and devices ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Sonar transducer patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.26454 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Medical: Surgery , Surgery(2) , Surgery(3) , Drug , Drug(2) , Prosthesis , Dentistry 174 |
 * Protect your Inventions * US Patent Office filing 
PATENT INFO |
|
