Single point contact acoustic transmitter
US6137747A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 29, 1998 |
| Grant date | Oct 24, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 29, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B47/16
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention is an acoustic transmitter that imparts vibratory stresses onto a signal propagation medium such as oil well tubing when actuated by an electric driver. In one embodiment, the acoustic transmitter utilizes a mechanical driver that includes piezoelectric elements to generate the vibratory stresses. The acoustic transmitter is mechanically attached at only one point to the signal propagation medium. This single point attachment eliminates loading on the acoustic transmitter from compressive and tensile forces carried by the signal propagation medium. A mass backing the mechanical driver may be used to extend the frequency range over which the acoustic transmitter is operable. In addition, the resonance response of the acoustic transmitter may be minimized by the use of a viscous dampener. The viscous dampener is configured to "couple" with the mechanical driver when the acoustic transmitter is operating and to "uncouple" with the mechanical driver at other times.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.