A fluid sensing system includes a target positioned at a target level, a first transducer configured to generate a first sound wave, and a second transducer configured to generate a second sound wave. An electronic processor is configured to produce a first signal to drive the first transducer and receive a first indication of a detected first echo from the first transducer. The electronic processor is configured to determine a first level of the fluid and determine whether the first level is less than or equal to the target level. The electronic processor is configured to produce, in response to determining the first level is less than or equal to the target level, a second signal to drive the second transducer, receive a second indication of a detected second echo from the second transducer, and determine a second level of the fluid based on the second indication.
A fluid sensor including a sensing area configured to receive a fluid. The fluid sensor includes a transducer and a capacitive sensor. The transducer is configured to output an ultrasonic wave through the fluid. The capacitive sensor includes a capacitive plate configured to reflect the ultrasonic wave toward the transducer.
G01N 29/22 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'emploi d'ondes ultrasonores, sonores ou infrasonores; Visualisation de l'intérieur d'objets par transmission d'ondes ultrasonores ou sonores à travers l'objet - Détails
G01N 29/024 - Analyse de fluides en mesurant la vitesse de propagation ou le temps de propagation des ondes acoustiques
G01N 29/32 - Dispositions pour supprimer des influences indésirables, p.ex. des variations de température ou de pression
3.
Fluid level sensing utilizing ring-time signatures of a transducer
A level measurement system including a tank, a transducer, and a controller. The tank is configured to contain a liquid. The transducer is configured to output an ultrasonic signal into the tank. The controller has a memory and electronic processor. The controller is electrically coupled to the transducer and is configured to determine a ring time of the transducer, and determine a level of the liquid contained within the tank based on the ring time of the transducer.
A method of sensing a fluid. The method includes determining a slope based on a first measurement of a first ultrasonic pulse traveling through the fluid, a second measurement based on a second ultrasonic pulse traveling through the fluid, a first temperature of the fluid, and a second temperature of the fluid. The method further includes comparing the slope to a predetermined slope and the first measurement to a predetermined measurement.
G01N 11/16 - Recherche des propriétés d'écoulement des matériaux, p.ex. la viscosité, la plasticité; Analyse des matériaux en déterminant les propriétés d'écoulement en déplaçant un corps à l'intérieur du matériau en mesurant l'effet d'amortissement sur un corps oscillant
G01F 23/24 - Indication ou mesure du niveau des liquides ou des matériaux solides fluents, p.ex. indication en fonction du volume ou indication au moyen d'un signal d'alarme en mesurant des variables physiques autres que les dimensions linéaires, la pression ou le poids, selon le niveau à mesurer, p.ex. par la différence de transfert de chaleur de vapeur ou d'eau en mesurant les variations de résistance de résistances électriques produites par contact avec des fluides conducteurs
G01F 23/30 - Indication ou mesure du niveau des liquides ou des matériaux solides fluents, p.ex. indication en fonction du volume ou indication au moyen d'un signal d'alarme par des flotteurs
G01N 29/024 - Analyse de fluides en mesurant la vitesse de propagation ou le temps de propagation des ondes acoustiques
G01N 29/44 - Traitement du signal de réponse détecté
G01N 29/32 - Dispositions pour supprimer des influences indésirables, p.ex. des variations de température ou de pression
A fluid sensor including a sensing area configured to receive a fluid. The fluid sensor includes a transducer and a capacitive sensor. The transducer is configured to output an ultrasonic wave through the fluid. The capacitive sensor includes a capacitive plate configured to reflect the ultrasonic wave toward the transducer.
G01N 29/22 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'emploi d'ondes ultrasonores, sonores ou infrasonores; Visualisation de l'intérieur d'objets par transmission d'ondes ultrasonores ou sonores à travers l'objet - Détails
G01N 29/024 - Analyse de fluides en mesurant la vitesse de propagation ou le temps de propagation des ondes acoustiques
G01N 29/32 - Dispositions pour supprimer des influences indésirables, p.ex. des variations de température ou de pression
6.
Sensing characteristics and a type of fluid using a temperature dependent rate of change of a measurement of the fluid
A system for sensing characteristics of a fluid contained within a tank. The system including an ultrasonic sensor, a temperature sensor, and a controller. The ultrasonic sensor is configured to output a ultrasonic pulse into the fluid, receive an echo of the ultrasonic pulse, and output a signal based on the received echo. The temperature sensor is configured to sense a temperature of the fluid and output a temperature signal corresponding to the temperature of the fluid. The controller is configured to determine a time-of-flight based on the output of the ultrasonic pulse and the received echo of the ultrasonic pulse, receive the temperature signal, determine a characteristic of the fluid based on the time-of-flight and the temperature signal, compare the characteristic of the fluid to a baseline characteristic, and output a signal based on the comparison between the characteristic of the fluid and the baseline characteristic.
G01N 11/16 - Recherche des propriétés d'écoulement des matériaux, p.ex. la viscosité, la plasticité; Analyse des matériaux en déterminant les propriétés d'écoulement en déplaçant un corps à l'intérieur du matériau en mesurant l'effet d'amortissement sur un corps oscillant
G01F 23/24 - Indication ou mesure du niveau des liquides ou des matériaux solides fluents, p.ex. indication en fonction du volume ou indication au moyen d'un signal d'alarme en mesurant des variables physiques autres que les dimensions linéaires, la pression ou le poids, selon le niveau à mesurer, p.ex. par la différence de transfert de chaleur de vapeur ou d'eau en mesurant les variations de résistance de résistances électriques produites par contact avec des fluides conducteurs
G01F 23/30 - Indication ou mesure du niveau des liquides ou des matériaux solides fluents, p.ex. indication en fonction du volume ou indication au moyen d'un signal d'alarme par des flotteurs
G01N 29/024 - Analyse de fluides en mesurant la vitesse de propagation ou le temps de propagation des ondes acoustiques
G01N 29/44 - Traitement du signal de réponse détecté
G01N 29/32 - Dispositions pour supprimer des influences indésirables, p.ex. des variations de température ou de pression
7.
Systems and methods for power management in ultrasonic sensors
A system and method for controlling the energy of sound waves generated for fluid sensing. The system includes a transducer configured to generate a first sound wave and a second sound wave and to detect a first echo of the first and second sound waves. The system also includes a driver configured to drive the transducer to produce the first and second sound waves. The system also includes a controller configured to compare a signal characteristic of the first echo of the first and second sound waves. The controller is configured to control the driver based on comparing the signal characteristic of the first echo of the first and second sound waves.
G01F 25/00 - Test ou étalonnage des appareils pour la mesure du volume, du débit volumétrique ou du niveau des liquides, ou des appareils pour compter par volume
A method for calibrating an ultrasonic sensor including a transducer, a reflector spaced a known distance from the transducer, and a memory. A water bath is heated to approximately fifty centigrade and the ultrasonic sensor is at least partially submerged in the water bath. When submerged, an ultrasonic wave is transmitted through a portion of the water bath from the transducer. The ultrasonic wave is transmitted toward the reflector and a reflected ultrasonic wave is received back at the transducer. A time of flight of the ultrasonic wave is measured. A calibration coefficient is determined based on the time of flight of the ultrasonic wave and an expected time of flight of the ultrasonic wave. The calibration coefficient is loaded into the memory of the ultrasonic sensor.
A sensor operable to sense a characteristic of a fluid. The sensor includes a sensing area, a filter, and a transducer. The sensing area is configured to contain the fluid. The filter covers the sensing area. The filter is configured to allow a liquid portion of the fluid to enter the sensing area and substantially prohibit a gas portion of the fluid to enter the sensing area. The transducer is operable to output a pulse of sound through the liquid portion of the fluid contained within the sensing area, receive the reflected pulse of sound, and output a characteristic of the fluid based on the received pulse of sound.
A fluid sensor for sensing at least one characteristic of a fluid. The fluid sensor including a sensing area; a sensing element configured to sense a characteristic of a fluid located within the sensing area; and a shroud having a textured area. The shroud configured to allow a liquid portion of the fluid to enter and exit the sensing area, and substantially prohibit a gas portion of the fluid to enter the sensing area.
F01N 3/20 - Silencieux ou dispositifs d'échappement comportant des moyens pour purifier, rendre inoffensifs ou traiter les gaz d'échappement pour rendre les gaz d'échappement inoffensifs par conversion thermique ou catalytique des composants nocifs des gaz d'échappement caractérisés par les méthodes d'opération; Commande spécialement adaptés à la conversion catalytique
G01F 23/00 - Indication ou mesure du niveau des liquides ou des matériaux solides fluents, p.ex. indication en fonction du volume ou indication au moyen d'un signal d'alarme
G01M 15/10 - Test des moteurs à combustion interne par contrôle des gaz d'échappement
11.
Systems and methods of determining a quality and a quantity of a fluid
A system for sensing a fluid. The system including a fixed object; a first transducer generating a first sound wave in a horizontal direction and to detect a first echo of the first sound wave from the fixed object; a second transducer generating a second sound wave in a vertical direction; a temperature sensor detecting a temperature of the fluid; and a controller. The controller configured to produce a first signal to drive the first transducer to produce the first sound wave, produce a second signal to drive the second transducer to produce the second sound wave, receive a first indication of the detected first echo, receive a second indication of the detected second echo, receive a temperature indication, determine a quality of the fluid based on the first indication and the temperature indication, and determine a quantity of the fluid based on the second indication.
F01N 3/20 - Silencieux ou dispositifs d'échappement comportant des moyens pour purifier, rendre inoffensifs ou traiter les gaz d'échappement pour rendre les gaz d'échappement inoffensifs par conversion thermique ou catalytique des composants nocifs des gaz d'échappement caractérisés par les méthodes d'opération; Commande spécialement adaptés à la conversion catalytique
G01F 25/00 - Test ou étalonnage des appareils pour la mesure du volume, du débit volumétrique ou du niveau des liquides, ou des appareils pour compter par volume
G01N 29/024 - Analyse de fluides en mesurant la vitesse de propagation ou le temps de propagation des ondes acoustiques
12.
Reduction of aeration interference in an ultrasonic fluid sensing system
A fluid sensor for sensing at least one characteristic of a fluid. The fluid sensor includes a sensing area, a sensing element and a mesh. The sensing element is configured to sense a characteristic of fluid located within the sensing area. The mesh is positioned around the sensing area. The mesh is configured to allow a liquid portion of the fluid to enter and exit the sensing area, and substantially prohibit a gas portion of the fluid to enter the channel.
Systems and methods for defrosting sensing components in fluid sensing system. In one embodiment, the invention provides a defrosting system that includes a sensing system. The sensing system includes a sensor operable to sense a characteristic of the fluid in a tank. The defrosting system includes a fluid pickup line spaced apart from the sensor, and a fluid return line. The fluid return line includes an output. The output is positioned to direct fluid onto the sensing system. In one embodiment, the defrosting system further comprises a pipe configured to provide the fluid to a system external to the tank. The fluid is heated by heat generated by the external system and directed onto the sensing system at least partially defrosts fluid contained within the sensing system.
F01N 3/00 - Silencieux ou dispositifs d'échappement comportant des moyens pour purifier, rendre inoffensifs ou traiter les gaz d'échappement
F01N 3/10 - Silencieux ou dispositifs d'échappement comportant des moyens pour purifier, rendre inoffensifs ou traiter les gaz d'échappement pour rendre les gaz d'échappement inoffensifs par conversion thermique ou catalytique des composants nocifs des gaz d'échappement
F22B 1/18 - Méthodes de production de vapeur caractérisées par le genre de chauffage par exploitation de l'énergie thermique contenue dans une source chaude la source chaude étant un gaz chaud, p.ex. des gaz d'évacuation tels que les gaz d'échappement de moteurs à combustion interne
F01N 3/20 - Silencieux ou dispositifs d'échappement comportant des moyens pour purifier, rendre inoffensifs ou traiter les gaz d'échappement pour rendre les gaz d'échappement inoffensifs par conversion thermique ou catalytique des composants nocifs des gaz d'échappement caractérisés par les méthodes d'opération; Commande spécialement adaptés à la conversion catalytique
14.
Systems and methods of determining a quality and a quantity of a fluid
A system for sensing a fluid. The system including a fixed object; a first transducer generating a first sound wave in a horizontal direction and to detect a first echo of the first sound wave from the fixed object; a second transducer generating a second sound wave in a vertical direction; a temperature sensor detecting a temperature of the fluid; and a controller. The controller configured to produce a first signal to drive the first transducer to produce the first sound wave, produce a second signal to drive the second transducer to produce the second sound wave, receive a first indication of the detected first echo, receive a second indication of the detected second echo, receive a temperature indication, determine a quality of the fluid based on the first indication and the temperature indication, and determine a quantity of the fluid based on the second indication.
F01N 3/20 - Silencieux ou dispositifs d'échappement comportant des moyens pour purifier, rendre inoffensifs ou traiter les gaz d'échappement pour rendre les gaz d'échappement inoffensifs par conversion thermique ou catalytique des composants nocifs des gaz d'échappement caractérisés par les méthodes d'opération; Commande spécialement adaptés à la conversion catalytique
G01F 25/00 - Test ou étalonnage des appareils pour la mesure du volume, du débit volumétrique ou du niveau des liquides, ou des appareils pour compter par volume
G01N 29/024 - Analyse de fluides en mesurant la vitesse de propagation ou le temps de propagation des ondes acoustiques
15.
Three-mode sensor for determining temperature, level, and concentration of a fluid
A three-mode ultrasonic sensor for determining temperature, level, and/or concentration of a fluid. In one embodiment, the sensor includes a target positioned at a level; a controller, and a transducer electrically connected to the controller. The controller is configured to generate an ultrasonic signal, to receive a reflection of the ultrasonic signal from at least one of the target and a surface of a fluid, and generate a signal based on the reflection. The controller is further configured to receive the signal, and determine whether a level of the surface of the fluid is one of the following group: above the level of the target, below the level of the target, and substantially the same as the level of the target.
G01F 23/00 - Indication ou mesure du niveau des liquides ou des matériaux solides fluents, p.ex. indication en fonction du volume ou indication au moyen d'un signal d'alarme
G01F 25/00 - Test ou étalonnage des appareils pour la mesure du volume, du débit volumétrique ou du niveau des liquides, ou des appareils pour compter par volume
G01S 15/10 - Systèmes pour mesurer la distance uniquement utilisant la transmission de trains discontinus d'ondes modulées par impulsions
16.
Systems and methods of determining a quality and/or depth of diesel exhaust fluid
A system for determining a quality and/or depth of a fluid in a tank. The system includes a controller, one or more transducers, and a temperature sensor. A fixed distance transducer transmits a sound wave toward a fixed surface. A depth transducer transmits a sound wave which reflects off a surface of the fluid. The temperature sensor senses a temperature of the fluid in the tank and provides an indication of the temperature to the controller. The controller measures the elapsed time for the sound waves to travel between the fixed distance transducer and a fixed surface and the elapsed time for the sound waves to travel between the depth transducer and the surface of the fluid held within the container. Using the elapsed times and the temperature of the fluid, the controller is able to determine a quality and the depth of the fluid.
A system and method for performing a diagnostic assessment of an ultrasonic sensor that measures a fluid level. A PWM signal is generated based on a reflection of an ultrasonic signal output by the ultrasonic sensor. The PWM has a period, and a plurality of pulses. Each pulse encodes a predetermined parameter and has a width. The PWM signal encodes the fluid level, fluid temperature, fluid speed of sound, and a status of the ultrasonic transducer. The PWM signal is received at a processor. The processor performs the diagnostic assessment of the ultrasonic sensor based on the period of the PWM signal and the widths of the plurality of pulses of the PWM signal. The processor is able to detect time reference shifts by assessing the PWM signal.
A level sensor includes a first transducer generating a first signal, a second transducer generating a second signal, and a processor configured to switch operation between a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the first transducer generates the first signal and the second transducer senses a reflection of the first signal from a surface. In the second mode, the second transducer generates the second signal and the first transducer senses a reflection of the second signal from a reference target. The processor determines a distance to the surface.
Systems and methods for determining a plurality of characteristics of a fuel and controlling a fuel delivery system based on the characteristics of the fuel. A controller generates a plurality of control signals. The control signals are transmitted to at least one ultrasonic transducer, a capacitance sensor, and a temperature sensor. Each of the ultrasonic transducer, capacitance sensor, and temperature sensor generate at least one output signal which is transmitted back to the controller. The controller determines, based on the output signals, the plurality of characteristics of the fuel. The characteristics of the fuel can include, for example, temperature, density, dielectric constant, and the like. The controller then compares the characteristics of the fuel to a set of characteristics of a first fuel type and a second fuel type and controls a fuel delivery device based on the characteristics of the fuel.
A level sensor includes a first transducer generating a first signal, a second transducer generating a second signal, and a processor configured to switch operation between a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the first transducer generates the first signal and the second transducer senses a reflection of the first signal from a surface. In the second mode, the second transducer generates the second signal and the first transducer senses a reflection of the second signal from a reference target. The processor determines a distance to the surface.
An apparatus and method for producing a substantially uniform bond line thickness by utilizing a crosshatch, grid pattern, or spacers of like patterns in a receptacle of a transducer housing. Certain embodiments include a housing configured to retain a transducer. The housing includes an annular wall and a receptacle adjacent to the wall. The receptacle has a member configured to allow radiation to pass through it. The member has a first surface and a second surface. The spacers on the first surface are configured in a grid pattern to maintain uniform spacing and a uniform bond line thickness between the transducer and the member. The bond line is further controlled by the depth of the spacers, which are configured to maintain a generally constant bond line thickness.
