Method and apparatus for determining clearance between moving and static members in a machine
US8137058B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 10, 2008 |
| Grant date | Mar 20, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 19, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S11/14
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A machine includes a static member and a moving member. The moving member includes a central hub and a moving component. The moving component includes a first end portion fixedly connected to the central hub, a second end portion and an intermediate portion. The second end portion of the moving member is spaced from the static member so as to form a gap. A transmitting element is mounted to one of the static member and the moving member. The transmitting element emits an acoustic wave having a predetermined frequency across the gap. A receiving element is mounted to the other of the static member and the moving member. The receiving element receives the acoustic wave from the transmitting element. The machine further includes a controller that determines a clearance distance extending between the moving member and the static member based on the acoustic wave passing across the gap.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.