Apparatus and method of lensing an ultrasonic beam for an ultrasonic flow meter
US7673526B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 31, 2007 |
| Grant date | Mar 9, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 4, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01F1/7082
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for sensing flow within a pipe having an internal passage disposed between a first wall portion and a second wall portion is provided, comprising the steps of: 1) providing a flow meter having at least one ultrasonic sensor unit that includes an ultrasonic transmitter attached to the first wall portion and an ultrasonic receiver attached to the second wall portion and aligned to receive ultrasonic signals transmitted from the transmitter; 2) selectively operating the ultrasonic transmitter to transmit a beam of ultrasonic signal, which beam has a focal point such that within the pipe, the beam is either colliminated, divergent or convergent; and 3) receiving the ultrasonic signals within the beam using the ultrasonic receiver. An apparatus operable to perform the aforesaid method is also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.