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Acoustic thermometer

  • US 5,624,188 A
  • Filed: 10/20/1994
  • Issued: 04/29/1997
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/20/1994
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A thermometer for measuring average temperature based on measurement of the time required for sound to traverse a path of predetermined length through an open environment, the environment being composed of a medium capable of supporting the propagation of sound waves, the measured time being an indicator of the average temperature of the medium along the path of the sound, the thermometer comprising:

  • means for generating an electrical signal burst of predetermined frequency and duration, and for modualting the signal burst to convey an identity code;

    a sound transmitting transducer for converting the electrical signal burst into a sound burst, the sound burst having substantially the same frequency and duration as the electrical signal burst and conveying the identity code, the transmitting transducer being connected to the generating means and positioned to transmit the sound burst along the path through the medium;

    a sound receiving transducer for receiving a reflection of the sound burst and converting the reflected sound burst into a received electrical signal, the reflection being returned from a predetermined distance on the path, the receiving transducer being positioned proximate to the transmitting transducer,means for detecting the presence of the received electrical signal having the identity code, the detecting means having an input connected to the sound receiving transducer and having an output for indicating the presence of the received electrical signal; and

    a timer, connected to the generating means and to the output of the detecting means, for measuring elapsed time between the generation of the electrical signal and the indication of the detection of the received electrical signal having the identity code, the timer further having an output connection for communicating information related to the elapsed time measurement.

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