Method and apparatus for the ultrasonic measurement of the flow veiocity of fluent media

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Ultrasonic signals are transmitted alternately upstream and downstream in a fluent media. A reference signal timed to occur at the estimated time of arrival of the alternate signals is used to ascertain whether the actual signals arrive earlier or later than the reference signal. Control circuitry responsive to the early and late signal generates two signal levels associated with transmission direction which adjusts the time position of the reference signal until it coincides with the actual arrival times. One signal level is related to flow velocity. The other signal level is related to sound velocity in the fluent media.