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Patent Application
App. No. 14/582,355

Reflector Array For Transit-Time Flow Measurement

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US None
App. No.
14/582,355
Abstract

Acoustic reflectors in a pipe can aid in defining an ultrasonic beam for a transit time flow measurement. Flow impedance associated with such reflectors can be minimized by using reflectors comprising an array of parallel reflective facets elongated transverse to an axis of the pipe and skewed with respect to the axis of the pipe. These facets may be formed in the wall of the pipe—e.g., by cutting grooves. Alternately, facet arrays may be formed in a separate low-profile body that is then attached to an inner wall of the pipe.

Claims (20)

1 . A transit time flow measurement apparatus in which an acoustic beam characterized by a selected acoustic wavelength is reflected from an acoustic reflector disposed within a pipe, the acoustic reflector comprising an array of parallel reflective facets elongated transverse to a longitudinal axis of the pipe and skewed with respect thereto, wherein each reflective facet extends along the longitudinal axis of the pipe by a respective width greater than the selected wavelength.

2 . The acoustic reflector of claim 1 wherein each reflective facet is characterized by a respective inclination angle.

3 . (canceled)

4 . (canceled)

5 . (canceled)

6 . (canceled)

7 . (canceled)

8 . (canceled)

9 . A transit time flow measurement apparatus for measuring flow of fluid flowing along a longitudinal axis of a pipe having an internal surface defining a circular cross-section, the apparatus comprising a reflector for reflecting ultrasonic signals, the reflector comprising an array of parallel facets in the internal surface, each facet having a respective axis extending along a chord of the circular cross-section, each respectfully skewed with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pipe and having a respective width greater than a wavelength of the ultrasonic signals.

10 . The acoustic reflector of claim 9 wherein each reflective facet is characterized by a respective inclination angle.

11 . (canceled)

12 . (canceled)

13 . (canceled)

14 . (canceled)

15 . (canceled)

16 . (canceled)

17 . (canceled)

18 . (canceled)

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20 . (canceled)

Assignments (4)
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Apr 23, 2019
From: BABSON CAPITAL FINANCE LLC, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
To: ONICON INCORPORATED
Reel/Frame 048980/0887 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Apr 23, 2019
From: BABSON CAPITAL FINANCE LLC, AS AGENT
To: ONICON INCORPORATED
Reel/Frame 049042/0893 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jun 12, 2016
From: ONICON INCORPORATED
To: BABSON CAPITAL FINANCE LLC, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 038963/0873 →
AMENDED AND RESTATED PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Apr 24, 2015
From: ONICON INCORPORATED
To: BABSON CAPITAL FINANCE LLC, AS AGENT
Reel/Frame 035496/0429 →