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Abstract

A method of determining flow velocities by measuring the phase difference between Doppler signals derived from wave pulses and reflected by substantially the same reflector at two different times, the interval between the times being predetermined, a pair of electric signals being derived according to the method from each Doppler signal by modulation in quadrature, the signals jointly bearing information relating to the phase of the Doppler signal, and a device for performing the method. In order to make full use of the possible measuring range, even at a relatively poor signal/noise ratio, at least a first and a second pair of signals are combined to form a third pair of electric signals which together bear an item of information depending on the phase difference between the Doppler signals. Mean-value signals are formed, each corresponding to the mean value of one of the third pair of signals, and an output signal which corresponds to the mean value of the phase difference between the Doppler signals is derived from the mean-value signals. It is particularly advantageous to use the method in an ultrasound diagnostic device for determining the velocity profile of a flow, more particularly of blood in a blood vessel.

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