Importance

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Abstract

An ultrasonic transducer assembly incorporating an ultrasonic transducer and conically surfaced beam transformer wherein the conical surface of the beam transformer is mounted on the interior of closure means or end cap that seals the transducer (and any associated mechanisms) from the environment during non-operating periods and is moved into the prescribed position via rotational motion or a linear piston-like motion prior to operating periods. Suitable O-ring or gasket sealing means preserve the water tight integrity during non-operating periods and assures a seal during translational movements of the transducer assembly from operating to non-operating positions. On school buses, the beam transformer is translated to an operative position below the bus where, in conjunction with a microprocessor, it takes an accurate acoustic image before the bus door is opened and again before the bus resumes forward motion so as to detect whether students have crawled under the bus while it was stopped. On cars and other vehicles, the ultrasonic transducer is used in back-up or parking systems to detect objects to the rear or front of the vehicle.

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First Claim