Embodiments of the present invention provide an ultrasonic probe having an increased number (e.g., twelve) of ultrasonic sensors for measuring the level of liquid within a sealed container. The ultrasonic probe includes a neck tube that enables the ultrasonic probe to be used with existing, standard
Embodiments of the present invention provide an ultrasonic probe having an increased number (e.g., twelve) of ultrasonic sensors for measuring the level of liquid within a sealed container. The ultrasonic probe includes a neck tube that enables the ultrasonic probe to be used with existing, standardized container fittings despite having an enlarged barrel to accommodate the increased number of ultrasonic sensors. Embodiments of the present invention also provide a system and method in which ultrasonic sensors within an ultrasonic probe are activated one at a time to reduce crosstalk between the ultrasonic sensors and their wiring.
대표청구항▼
1. A system comprising: a controller that is operatively configured to send and receive electronic signals;an ultrasonic probe comprising a fitting assembly, a barrel extending downwardly from the fitting assembly, and a plurality of ultrasonic sensors located within the barrel, each of the pluralit
1. A system comprising: a controller that is operatively configured to send and receive electronic signals;an ultrasonic probe comprising a fitting assembly, a barrel extending downwardly from the fitting assembly, and a plurality of ultrasonic sensors located within the barrel, each of the plurality of ultrasonic sensors being adapted to receive electronic signals sent from the controller, emit sound waves in response to the electronic signals sent from the controller, detect sound waves, and transmit electronic signals to the controller indicative of the detected sound waves; anda multi conductor shielded cable, wherein each of the plurality of ultrasonic sensors is connected to a separate signal line that is not individually shielded and each of the plurality of ultrasonic sensors is connected to a common return line, each signal line comprising an internal conductor of a coaxial cable and the common return line comprising an outer shield of the coaxial cable;wherein the controller is programmed to send electronic signals to only one of the plurality of ultrasonic sensors at a time. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is programmed to send an electronic signal to a first ultrasonic sensor of the plurality of ultrasonic sensors and receive an electronic signal from the first ultrasonic sensor of the plurality of ultrasonic sensors prior to sending an electronic signal to any other ultrasonic sensor of the plurality of ultrasonic sensors. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ultrasonic sensors includes at least 5 ultrasonic sensors. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ultrasonic sensors includes at least 12 ultrasonic sensors. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the barrel further comprises a conduit. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the conduit has a lower opening at a lower end of the barrel and an upper opening located in a sidewall of the barrel. 7. The system of claim 5, wherein the barrel further comprises an outer tube, an inner tube, and an internal volume located between the inner tube and the outer tube, the inner tube defining the shape of the conduit, the internal volume being isolated from the conduit. 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the plurality of ultrasonic sensors are located in the internal volume and coupled to the inner tube. 9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a container, wherein the barrel of the ultrasonic probe is adapted to be inserted into the container and the container includes a seal fitting member which is adapted to secure the ultrasonic probe to the container. 10. A method of operating a probe having a plurality of ultrasonic sensors, the method comprising: (a) sending an electronic signal to one of the plurality of ultrasonic sensors using one conductor of a plurality of inner conductors of a coaxial cable, wherein each conductor of the plurality of conductors is insulated but not individually shielded;(b) receiving an electronic signal from the ultrasonic sensor of step (a) using an outer shield of the coaxial cable;(c) sending an electronic signal to another one of the of the plurality of ultrasonic sensors only after step (b) has been performed;(d) receiving an electronic signal from the ultrasonic sensor of step (c);(e) repeating steps (a) through (c) with each of the plurality of ultrasonic sensors, using a different conductor for step (a) for each of the plurality of ultrasonic sensors. 11. An ultrasonic probe comprising: a plurality of ultrasonic sensors disposed within an internal volume of the ultrasonic probe, wherein each ultrasonic sensor of the plurality of ultrasonic sensors is connected to a separate signal line that is not individually shielded and each ultrasonic sensor of the plurality of ultrasonic sensors being connected to a common return line, each signal line comprising an internal conductor of a coaxial cable and the common return line comprising an outer shield of the coaxial cable. 12. The ultrasonic probe of claim 11, wherein the plurality of ultrasonic sensors includes at least 5 ultrasonic sensors. 13. The ultrasonic probe of claim 11, wherein the plurality of ultrasonic sensors includes at least 12 ultrasonic sensors. 14. The ultrasonic probe of claim 11, further comprising a barrel, a neck tube connected to a top end of the barrel, and a fitting assembly connected to an end of the neck tube that is distal to the barrel. 15. The ultrasonic probe of claim 11, further comprising a barrel having a conduit. 16. The ultrasonic probe of claim 15, wherein the conduit has a lower opening at a lower end of the barrel and an upper opening located in a sidewall of the barrel. 17. The ultrasonic probe of claim 16, wherein the barrel further comprises an outer tube, an inner tube, and an internal volume located between the inner tube and the outer tube, the inner tube defining the shape of the conduit, the internal volume being isolated from the conduit. 18. The ultrasonic probe of claim 17, wherein the plurality of ultrasonic sensors are located in the internal volume and coupled to the inner tube.
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이 특허에 인용된 특허 (5)
Esin Alex (Skokie IL) Jones Lawrence J. (Algonquin IL) Rosselson Boris (Des Plaines IL) Sorenson Martin N. (Buffalo Grove IL), Controller for ultrasonic sensors.
Kersey, Alan D.; Viega, John, Acoustic probing technique for the determination of multiple liquid/froth interfaces in separation and storage vessels based on an oblique tomographic analysis approach.
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