The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 08, 1998
Filed:
Nov. 28, 1995
Jorgen W Andersen, Orlando, FL (US);
Sawtek Inc., Orlando, FL (US);
Abstract
A sensing apparatus includes a pulse recirculating circuit operatively connected to at least one ultrasonic delay sensor or other device for recirculating pulses therethrough, and a measurement difference output circuit for generating an output signal based upon a difference between first and second measurements of the at least one ultrasonic delay sensor. The pulse recirculating circuit preferably comprises a pulse generator for generating a series of input pulses to the ultrasonic delay sensor, and a pulse detector for detecting a series of output pulses after propagation through the ultrasonic delay sensor. Moreover, the measurement difference output circuit preferably includes an up-down counter for counting pulses during the first measurement in one direction and for counting pulses during the second measurement in an opposite direction. Accordingly, the remaining counter contents represent a difference in delay between the first and second measurements. Method aspects of the invention are also disclosed.