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Method and sensor for the detection of cavitations and an apparatus containing a sensor of this kind

  • US 6,206,646 B1
  • Filed: 03/17/1999
  • Issued: 03/27/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/19/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method for detecting fluid cavitations that may occur in a space that is being monitored and where first signals are being generated by the cavitations and second signals result from events other than the cavitations, the method comprising the steps of providing a sensor which is capable of learning;

  • coupling the sensor and the space so that the sensor can pick up the signals;

    subjecting the sensor to a learning phase by producing cavitations in the space over a first time interval to thereby generate first signals, sensing the first signals with the sensor, thereafter discontinuing producing the cavitations in the space over a second time interval, and sensing the second signals with the sensor, whereby during the first and second time intervals the sensor learns to differentiate between first signals caused by cavitations and second signals caused by events other than cavitations;

    storing characteristics of the first and second signals sensed by the sensor following the learning phase;

    operating the space in a normal manner during which second signals are produced and first signal producing cavitations may occur;

    detecting the signals produced during the normal operation of the space;

    analyzing the detected signals with reference to the stored characteristics of the first and second signals to determine if given signals emanating in the space are first signals; and

    emitting an output signal which indicates if the given signals emanating from the space are first signals.

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