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Ultrasonic position locating method and apparatus therefor

  • US 5,142,506 A
  • Filed: 10/22/1990
  • Issued: 08/25/1992
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/22/1990
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for measuring a distance, comprising:

  • a. causing an acoustic disturbance to be emitted from a first distance reference, said acoustic disturbance consisting of a plurality of individual wave cycles;

    b. causing a high speed counter to be started at a counter start time, said counter start time having a fixed temporal relationship to an instant of emission of said acoustic disturbance;

    c. Intercepting said acoustic disturbance at a second distance reference, and converting said acoustic disturbance into an equivalent electrical signal;

    d. identifying a reference cycle of said individual wave cycles within said equivalent electrical signal, wherein said reference cycle is immediately preceded by a reference cycle of a lower amplitude;

    e. identifying a reference point on said reference cycle;

    f. stopping said high speed counter when said reference point on said reference wave cycle is encountered; and

    g. calculating said distance based upon a reading of said high speed counter.

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