US4020692A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ultrasonic thermometer isolation standoffs
Assignee: Energy Research and Development Administration ERDA
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Filing: 1975-09-26
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Granted: 1977-05-03
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Expires: 1995-09-26
Abstract
Abstract A method is provided for minimizing sticking of the transmission line to the protective sheath and preventing noise echoes from interfering with signal echoes in an improved high temperature ultrasonic thermometer which includes an ultrasonic transmission line surrounded by a protective sheath. Small isolation standoffs are mounted on the transmission line to minimize points of contact between the transmission line and the protective sheath, the isolation standoffs serving as discontinuities mounted on the transmission line at locations where a signal echo is desired or where an echo can be tolerated. Consequently any noise echo generated by the sticking of the standoff to the protective sheath only adds to the amplitude of the echo generated at the standoff and does not interfere with the other signal echoes.
Inventors
- 👤 Alvin E. Arave
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 05:11
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01K; G01K11/00; G01K11/22; G01K11/24
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
80 words
In a high-temperature ultrasonic thermometer which includes an ultrasonic transmission line surrounded by a protective sheath, the improvement therein to minimize sticking of said transmission line to said sheath and prevent noise echoes from interfering with signal echoes comprising: small isolation standoffs mounted on said transmission line to minimize points of contact between said transmission line and said sheath, said isolation standoffs being sections of thin wire mounted on said transmission line at locations where a signal echo is desired.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
80 words
In a high-temperature ultrasonic thermometer which includes an ultrasonic transmission line surrounded by a protective sheath, the improvement therein to minimize sticking of said transmission line to said sheath and prevent noise echoes from interfering with signal echoes comprising: small isolation standoffs mounted on said transmission line to minimize points of contact between said transmission line and said sheath, said isolation standoffs being sections of thin wire mounted on said transmission line at locations where a signal echo is desired.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The thermometer of claim 1 wherein said thin wire standoffs are laser-welded perpendicular to said transmission line.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The thermometer of claim 4 wherein said transmission line is tungsten-2% thoria and said standoffs are tungsten-26% rhenium.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The thermometer of claim 1 wherein adjacent standoffs are mounted about the circumference of said transmission line approximately 120° apart.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
78 words
A method for minimizing the sticking of an ultrasonic thermometer transmission line and sensor to the inside surface of the surrounding protective sheath and preventing noise echoes from interfering with signal echoes comprising: mounting small isolation standoffs on said transmission line to minimize the points of contact between said transmission line and said sheath, said standoffs being sections of thin wire, and said standoffs being mounted on said transmission line at locations where a signal echo is desired.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
78 words
A method for minimizing the sticking of an ultrasonic thermometer transmission line and sensor to the inside surface of the surrounding protective sheath and preventing noise echoes from interfering with signal echoes comprising: mounting small isolation standoffs on said transmission line to minimize the points of contact between said transmission line and said sheath, said standoffs being sections of thin wire, and said standoffs being mounted on said transmission line at locations where a signal echo is desired.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 5 further comprising laser-welding said standoffs perpendicular to said transmission line such that adjacent standoffs are mounted approximately 120° apart about the circumference of said transmission line.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-05-02 | 1980-11-01 | 1981-05-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-05-02 | 1984-11-01 | 1985-05-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-05-02 | 1988-11-01 | 1989-05-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |