Method and apparatus for making high-precision measurements
First Claim
1. A method of measuring a predetermined parameter, comprising:
- mounting a displaceable sensor on a mounting member such that the displaceable sensor changes its location, form or length with respect to said mounting member in accordance with said predetermined parameter;
transmitting a cyclically-repeating energy wave through a transmission channel to or in said displaceable sensor;
receiving said cyclically-repeating energy wave transmitted through said transmission channel to or in said displaceable sensor;
continuously changing the frequency of transmission of the cyclically-repeating energy wave in accordance with changes in said predetermined parameter such that the number of waves received is a whole integer;
and utilizing the change in frequency to produce a measurement of said predetermined parameter.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for measuring a predetermined parameter, by providing a displaceable sensor on a mounting member such that the displaceable sensor changes in location, form or length with respect to the mounting member in accordance with the predetermined parameter. A cyclically-repeating energy wave is transmitted to or through the displaceable sensor, and a predetermined fiducial point in the received cyclically-repeating energy wave is detected and used for continuously changing the frequency of the transmitted cyclically-repeating energy wave such that the number of waves received is a whole integer. The change in frequency is used to produce a measurement of the predetermined parameter. Several embodiments are described wherein the displaceable sensor is a deformable membrane, an end wall of a bellows, a spring-mounted member, a displaceable plunger, and a bar changing its length in accordance with the parameter to be measured.
108 Citations
43 Claims
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1. A method of measuring a predetermined parameter, comprising:
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mounting a displaceable sensor on a mounting member such that the displaceable sensor changes its location, form or length with respect to said mounting member in accordance with said predetermined parameter; transmitting a cyclically-repeating energy wave through a transmission channel to or in said displaceable sensor; receiving said cyclically-repeating energy wave transmitted through said transmission channel to or in said displaceable sensor; continuously changing the frequency of transmission of the cyclically-repeating energy wave in accordance with changes in said predetermined parameter such that the number of waves received is a whole integer; and utilizing the change in frequency to produce a measurement of said predetermined parameter. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. Apparatus for measuring a predetermined parameter, comprising:
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a displaceable sensor carried by a mounting member such that the displaceable sensor changes in location, form or length with respect to the mounting member in accordance with said predetermined parameter; a transmitter for transmitting a cyclically-repeating energy wave through a transmission channel to or in said displaceable sensor; a receiver for receiving said cyclically-repeating energy wave transmitted through said transmission channel to or in said displaceable sensor; and a data processor for continuously changing the frequency of transmission of the cyclically-repeating energy wave in accordance with changes in said predetermined parameter such that the number of waves received is a whole integer and for utilizing the change in frequency to produce a measurement of said predetermined parameter. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41)
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42. Apparatus for monitoring the condition of lubricating oil in an automotive vehicle, comprising:
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a transmitter at a first location with respect to a body of said lubricating oil for transmitting a cyclically-repeating energy wave through said body of lubricating oil; a receiver at a second location with respect to said body of lubricating oil for receiving said cyclically-repeating energy waves after traversing said body of lubricating oil; and a data processor for continuously changing the frequency of transmission of the cyclically-repeating energy wave in accordance with changes in said condition of the lubricating oil such that the number of waves received is a whole integer; and
utilizing the change in frequency to produce an indication of the composition, and thereby of the cleanliness, of said lubricating oil. - View Dependent Claims (43)
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Specification