| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 324642000 | Where energy is reflected (e.g., reflectometry) | 62 |
| 20090033339 | VECTOR IMPEDANCE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A vector impedance measurement system ( | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090167322 | SYSTEMS AND METHOD FOR CLASSIFYING A SUBSTANCE - A method for classifying a substance is provided. The method includes transmitting an electromagnetic signal at the substance, measuring a portion of the electromagnetic signal reflected by the substance, determining a reflection coefficient of the substance using the measured portion of the electromagnetic signal, and outputting a classification of the substance based on the determined reflection coefficient. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090212789 | MODIFIED TDR METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SUSPENDED SOLID CONCENTRATION MEASUREMENT - This invention utilizes the principle of time domain reflectometry (TDR) to develop an improved apparatus and method for suspended solid concentration (SSC) measurement. The apparatus comprises a TDR sensing waveguide for stably determining an electromagnetic-wave (EM-wave) travel time and a temperature sensor. The TDR sensing waveguide and the temperature sensor are submerged in a suspension to detect the EM-wave travel time and the temperature. A temperature-corrected relationship between EM-wave travel time and SSC is found and used to estimate the SSC. Although TDR has been used for measuring soil moisture content and high SSC, its accuracy is not satisfactory for typical SSC monitoring. The present invention improves the accuracy of TDR in SSC measurement by providing the apparatus and method disclosed herein, which are not affected by an electrical conductivity of the suspension and particle sizes of suspended solids therein, and therefore meet the requirements of general engineering applications and environmental monitoring. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090212790 | METHOD OF ESTIMATING CHANNEL BANDWIDTH FROM A TIME DOMAIN REFLECTOMETER (TDR) MEASUREMENT - Bandwidth of a test channel is determined from a single port Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR) measurement with the channel terminated in a short or an open circuit. Bandwidth is estimated by: (1) making a TDR measurement of a channel terminated in a short or open circuit; (2) determining a maximum slope of the reflection from the TDR measurement; (2) calculating an interpolated rise or fall time, for example by taking 80% of the applied voltage between the 10% and 90% points, and then dividing the applied voltage by the maximum slope determined; (3) dividing the overall interpolated rise time by the square root of two to account for the TDR signal proceeding through the channel twice; (4) removing the contribution of rise time from measurement equipment; and (5) completing calculation of channel bandwidth using a formula to relate bandwidth to rise time, such as: bandwidth=0.35/rise time. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090302867 | Method for Ascertaining and Monitoring Fill Level of a Medium in a Container - A method for ascertaining and monitoring the fill level of a medium in a container the method utilizes a fill-level measuring device, wherein, according to the technique of time-domain reflectometry, high-frequency measuring signals are guided via at least one measuring probe in the direction of the medium, reflected on at least one interface of the medium as wanted echo signals or on disturbance locations as disturbance echo signals, and received. A current echo curve is formed from a produced, reference echo signal, wanted echo signals and disturbance echo signals, wherein, at least from a first disturbance echo signal and the reference echo signal, which are caused in a measurement-inactive region of the fill-level measuring device, a base point is located in the current echo curve, and wherein the fill level is ascertained from the distance between the base point and the wanted echo signal formed in a measurement-active region of the fill-level measuring device. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090322350 | PRINTED CIRCUIT ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR MEASURING CHARACTERISTIC IMPEDANCE - A printed circuit assembly is provided. The printed circuit assembly includes a plurality of signal layers and a plurality of test structures disposed within the plurality of signal layers, wherein each of the plurality of test structures comprises one of a microstrip and a stripline and wherein each of the plurality of test structures is to measure a characteristic impedance of each of the plurality of signal layers. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20100013497 | REMOTE SENSOR SYSTEM FOR MONITORING THE CONDITION OF EARTHEN STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF ITS USE - A system and associated method permit remote monitoring of subsurface structure for purposes of early detection and location of hidden anomalies, e.g., water seepage in levees. Anomalies may be due to sand boils or displacement of underlying soil. Representative systems provide continuous monitoring via two complementary means: parallel pairs of ported (leaky) coaxial cables and a fiber optic cable, each pair of coaxial cables associated with a fiber optic cable. A fiber optic system, with associated light source, processor and display, together with an RF system, provides data to a remote location via telemetry or cellular phone, or both. The fiber optic cable(s) allow monitoring of displacement and vibrations within the structure. The ported coaxial cables, with associated RF source, using the same processor, display and telemetry used with the fiber optic sub-system, provide data for monitoring moisture change correlated to changes in the dielectric constant of surrounding material. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100109680 | ELECTROMAGNETIC SCANNING IMAGER - In one aspect, the present invention provides an imager, preferably portable, that includes a source of electromagnetic radiation capable of generating radiation with one or more frequencies in a range of about 1 GHz to about 2000 GHz. An optical system that is optically coupled to the source focuses radiation received therefrom onto an object plane, and directs at least a portion of the focused radiation propagating back from the object plane onto an image plane. The imager further includes a scan mechanism coupled to the optical system for controlling thereof so as to move the focused radiation over the object plane. A detector optically coupled to the lens at the image plane detects at least a portion of the radiation propagating back from a plurality of scanned locations in the object plane, thereby generating a detection signal. A processor that is in communication with the detector generates an image of at least a portion of the object plane based on the detection signal. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100283483 | High-Resolution, Nondestructive Imaging of Dielectric Materials - The enhanced detection of defects and features in bulk dielectric materials is disclosed. Microwave radiation partly reflected at interfaces where the dielectric constant changes (e.g., where there are defects or structures). A sinusoidal or quasi-sinusoidal wave results. Localization or imaging of features is enhanced by exploiting the variation in distance resolution in a sinusoidal or quasi-sinusoidal standing wave. At characteristic distances, the wave has a high slope, and the amplitude of the wave varies strongly with small changes in distance. By inspecting at these characteristic distances, the resolution is enhanced. By systematically varying the position of the transducer or specimen, detailed images may be formed of the internal structure of the specimen across a range of depths. Defects and structures may be detected at smaller sizes than has previously been possible. The resolution of the imaging may be substantially smaller than the wavelength of the interrogating radiation. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20110193567 | FILL LEVEL MEASURING DEVICE WORKING WITH MICROWAVES - A fill level measuring device working with microwaves according to the travel time principle for fill level measurement of fill substances located in containers. On a plurality of different signal paths, microwave signals can be transmitted into the container, and their associated echo signals recorded. The measurement results gained on the different signal paths can be evaluated separately from one another. The device includes: measuring device electronics having a microwave generator for the successive production of microwave signals having different wanted frequencies; and, connected thereto, a frequency-selective, passive antenna arrangement, which has a plurality of antennas, which serve to transmit successively the different microwave signals into the container, and to receive their echo signals reflected back to the antenna arrangement, and which has a number of frequency-selective elements—especially bandpass filters—in each case transmissive for one of the different wanted frequencies. Via the antennas and the frequency-selective elements, for each of the different microwave signals and its echo signal, a uniquely associated signal path is specified, via which a microwave signal is transmitted into the container and its echo signal, reflected back to the antenna arrangement (S | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110199099 | CONTAINER POSITION MEASURING METHOD AND CONTAINER POSITION MEASURING APPARATUS - A container position measuring method using a microwave sensor | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110248725 | Non-Invasive Level Measurement for Liquid or Granular Solids - An apparatus and method is described for measuring non-invasively level of contents inside an array of containers without setting up any electrodes or attaching sensors around the containers, or inserting of a probe inside. Electromagnetic waves are launched from the bottom of the containers using launchers embedded in a tray the containers rest on. These waves travel through the bulk of the contents inside the container using a mode of propagation similar to dielectric waveguides or optical fibers and set up standing waves due to reflection at the content-air interface. The level inside the container is a function of the complex reflection coefficient (magnitude and phase) at the launcher input and can be thus determined by measuring the complex reflection coefficient. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110298477 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING ANOMALIES ON INTERNAL SURFACES OF HOLLOW ELONGATE STRUCTURES USING TIME DOMAIN OR FREQUENCY DOMAIN REFLECTOMETRY - Systems and methods for detecting an anomaly on an internal surface of a hollow, elongate, metallic pipe structure. An anomaly detection system employs an access port, an antenna, a signal source, and a signal analyzer. The access port allows physical access to an interior of the pipe structure. The antenna extends into the interior of the pipe structure through the access port. The signal source is operatively connected to the antenna and is capable of causing the antenna to cause a test signal to be conducted along the pipe structure such that the anomaly reflects at least a portion of the test signal back towards the antenna as a reflected signal. The signal analyzer is operatively connected to the antenna to analyze, in a frequency domain, the reflected signal. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20120176145 | IMPEDANCE TUNER SYSTEMS AND PROBES - An impedance tuner may include a shunt stub located at a fixed location along the transmission media, and a phase shifter to control the reflection phase. Another embodiment includes an adjustable length shunt stub connected on the transmission media, a variable phase shifter connected between the DUT port and the adjustable length shunt stub, a probe arranged for movement in a direction transverse to the direction of signal propagation. Another embodiment includes a reflection magnitude control system mounted in a fixed position relative to a direction of signal propagation along the transmission media, and a phase shifter to control a reflection phase. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120187960 | SENSOR PROBE AND METHODS OF ASSEMBLING SAME - A method of assembling a sensor probe for use in a sensor assembly is provided. The method includes providing an emitter configured to generate at least one forward propagating electromagnetic field from at least one microwave signal and to generate at least one backward propagating electromagnetic field. A data conduit is coupled to the emitter. Moreover, a ground conductor is extended substantially circumferentially about the data conduit. The ground conductor is configured to substantially reduce electromagnetic radiation within the sensor assembly. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120242351 | Measurement of Bladed Rotors - Measurement of bladed rotors and, more particularly, speed measurement of bladed rotors in a turbine engine using microwave probes is described. In one embodiment, an apparatus for measuring bladed includes a microwave sensor that radiates a microwave signal toward a bladed rotor and receives a reflected microwave signal from the bladed rotor, a radio frequency module that generates the microwave signal radiated by the microwave sensor and down-converts the reflected microwave signal into a down-converted signal, and a main processing module configured to generate an output pulse train signal representative of a speed of the bladed rotor based on the down-converted signal. In another embodiment, a method for measuring bladed rotors is described including radiating a microwave signal, receiving a reflected microwave signal, down-converting the reflected microwave signal, and generating an output pulse train signal representative of a speed of a bladed rotor based on the down-converted signal. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20120249165 | MICROWAVE POWER MONITORING - A microwave apparatus comprises a microwave source for providing a microwave signal, connectable to a load; control means configured in operation to vary over a frequency range a frequency of the microwave signal provided by the source; a microwave detector for performing microwave measurements, arranged to receive reflections from and/or transmissions to the load in operation and to perform a plurality of measurements, each measurement corresponding to a respective one of a plurality of different frequencies of the frequency range; and means for determining from the plurality of measurements a measure of reflection and/or a measure of transmission. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120326731 | SENSOR ASSEMBLIES USED TO DETECT THE PROXIMITY OF A MATERIAL TO A MICROWAVE ELEMENT - Sensor assemblies used to detect the proximity of a material to a microwave element are disclosed. One example sensor assembly includes a signal generator configured to generate at least one microwave signal, a coupler connected to the signal generator, a microwave element coupled to the coupler, and a processing module connected to the coupler. The microwave element is configured to generate an electromagnetic field as a function of said at least one microwave signal. The microwave element is structured to reflect a loading signal to said coupler when a material interacts with the electromagnetic field. The processing module is configured to process the loading signal with a reference signal to generate a data signal representative of the proximity of the material to the microwave element. The data signal defines a sub-microwave frequency. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20130043886 | System for Measuring a Peak Frequency of a Signal for Analyzing Condition of a Subject - A system for measuring a peak frequency of a signal applies a Maximum Entropy Method (MEM) to the signal obtained through transmission and reception of an electromagnetic wave to a subject to obtain a frequency of a peak component to be measured, thus permitting to make an appropriate assessment on a state of the subject. A signal analysis unit performs a spectrum estimation utilizing the MEM applied to a signal part of the phase difference signal with a predetermined short analysis duration, from a phase difference signal obtained by an electromagnetic wave transmitting and receiving unit, to obtain a frequency indicative of occurrence frequency of the peak component, and conducts repeatedly the same process, while shifting a position to be analyzed, corresponding to the analysis duration, thus introducing continuously the frequency. It is therefore possible to know a transition with time of the frequency of the peak component. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130221989 | DETECTING A FOREIGN BODY APPLIED TO AN INPUT MEANS USED FOR AUTHENTICATION - The apparatus for detecting a foreign object mounted in the near range of an input means used for identification and/or authentication includes at least a coupler. The coupler is arranged to supply an oscillating signal to two input terminals of an antenna for generating a standing wave, to supply the oscillating signal with a predetermined level to a detection device, and to couple out, for the detection device, a reflection signal received by the antenna. Furthermore, the coupler is arranged to detect a phase difference between the supplied oscillating signal with the predetermined level and the reflection signal that is coupled out, in order to detect the foreign object. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130234729 | MICROWAVE MOTION SENSOR - A microwave motion sensor including a transmitting device, a signal processing device, a signal processing device, and a path switching device is disclosed. The transmitting device transmits a microwave signal to a space under detection. The receiving device receives a reflected microwave signal reflected from the space under detection. The signal processing device processes the reflected microwave signal received by the receiving device to judge whether there is a disturbance in the space under detection, wherein the signal processing device generates the microwave signal. The path switching device is coupled to the signal processing device and the transmitting device and results in different phase shifts to a plurality of transmission paths travelled by the microwave signal. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130335104 | OPEN SENSOR FOR TESTING A COMPOSITE MEDIUM - An open sensor is provided for testing a split sample of a composite medium. The open sensor generally includes a longitudinal section of a tube and a plurality of serpentine conductors which are successively layered on top of each other. The interior surface of the tube section forms a trough into which the split sample of the composite medium can be disposed. The number of serpentine conductors is two or greater. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20140015546 | OBJECT DETECTION AND ESTIMATION IN RFID SYSTEMS - A radio frequency (RF) object detector is disclosed. The RF object detector in example embodiments transmits an RF signal. A receiver measures the amplitude, the phase, or both the amplitude and phase of the signal as reflected from objects in an interrogation zone. The RF object detector can be deployed in a combined system that performs multiple functions. For example, the RF object detector can be integrated with an EAS system that also sends RFID commands and receives RFID responses. In some embodiments the object detector can discriminate between moving objects and stationary objects, and/or discriminate between objects in the interrogation zone and objects outside the interrogation zone, and/or provide location estimates. An antenna or antennas can be connected in a mono-static or bi-static configuration and the phase and/or amplitude signals can be either DC-coupled or AC-coupled into the system through a mixer. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140043046 | ELECTROMAGNETIC SCANNING IMAGER - In one aspect, the present invention provides an imager, preferably portable, that includes a source of electromagnetic radiation capable of generating radiation with one or more frequencies in a range of about 1 GHz to about 2000 GHz. An optical system that is optically coupled to the source focuses radiation received therefrom onto an object plane, and directs at least a portion of the focused radiation propagating back from the object plane onto an image plane. The imager further includes a scan mechanism coupled to the optical system for controlling thereof so as to move the focused radiation over the object plane. A detector optically coupled to the lens at the image plane detects at least a portion of the radiation propagating back from a plurality of scanned locations in the object plane, thereby generating a detection signal. A processor that is in communication with the detector generates an image of at least a portion of the object plane based on the detection signal. | 02-13-2014 |
| 20140084944 | Coaxial probe comprising terminating resistor - A coaxial probe is for a TDR fill-level measuring instrument, in which probe the inner conductor is connected to the outer conductor via a terminating resistor. The terminating resistor is mounted in a cylindrical recess in the inner conductor and sealed with respect to the measuring environment. In this way, the measurement of the fill level in the region of the probe end can be improved. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140167783 | RESONATOR AND BIOSENSOR SYSTEM INCLUDING THE SAME - Provided are a resonator and a biosensor system including the same. The resonator may have a flat plate shape to increase a filling factor of a sample, thereby improving measurement sensitivity. Also, the resonator may be miniaturized, and thus the biosensor system including the resonator may also be miniaturized. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140167784 | DEVICE FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF MICROWAVE SIGNALS AND A METHOD FOR THE CONFIGURATION OF THE SAME - A method for the configuration of a multi-static measuring device with an antenna arrangement, which is formed from several antenna clusters, each of which comprises several transmitting antennas and several receiving antennas, is characterised by the formation of configuration groups and associated group apertures. A configuration group is configured through the allocation of a subset of the antenna clusters of the antenna arrangement to a configuration group. At least one subset of the antenna clusters of this configuration group is configured as a receiving cluster in which exclusively the receiving antennas are activated. At least one subset of the antenna clusters of the configuration group are configured as transmitting clusters by activating the transmitting antennas. Microwave signals radiated from all transmitting antennas of all transmitting clusters of the configuration group and reflected on an object are measured in every receiving antenna of the receiving clusters of the configuration group. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140176157 | APPARATUS FOR MONITORING REVERSE OSMOSIS MEMBRANE CONDITION - A microwave imaging sensor is disclosed for continuously monitoring the condition and status of an in situ reverse osmosis membrane that forms a semi-permeable barrier between a region of water containing a dissolved salt and a region of water which is intended to be substantially free of the dissolved salt. A device according to embodiments of the invention can be used to monitor the condition of the membrane, i.e., the ability of the membrane to filter water by reverse osmosis; and to detect failures in the membrane such as leaking saline water into the output stream. The results of the monitoring can be used to determine in real time whether or not the membrane should be replaced. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140232417 | ELECTRICAL MEASURING SYSTEM - A measuring system is described which includes a sensor for receiving an electromagnetic wave and a guide component for guiding the electromagnetic wave. The guide component is embodied as an elongated, preferably metal, profile component which contains, in a longitudinal direction, a slot for guiding the electromagnetic wave. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140247061 | MEASURING WHISPERING-GALLERY-MODE RESONATOR - A measuring whispering-gallery-mode resonator, comprising: a dielectric resonating body with a rotation axis; a superconducting sample under test, which is mounted to the resonating body; a coupling unit for coupling a measuring waveguide with the resonating body, wherein one side of the resonating body connected with the coupling unit is provided with a first endplate, wherein m coupling holes penetrate through the first endplate, and centers of the m coupling holes are arranged to be evenly spaced along a circle whose center is on the rotation axis; the coupling unit has a feeder line which is a coaxial waveguide, wherein an axis of the coaxial waveguide coincides with the rotation axis, and one end surface of the coaxial waveguide, which is perpendicular to the rotation axis, abuts to the first endplate; and the axial index of operated whispering gallery mode in the resonator is an integer multiple of the number m of the coupling holes. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140300373 | TRAVELING WAVE SPOT PROBE - Various examples of methods and systems are provided for traveling wave spot probes. In one embodiment, among others, a traveling wave spot probe includes one or more antennas positioned proximate to a coated surface. The one or more antennas can be configured to excite a surface traveling wave moving over an area under test by launching radio frequency (RF) energy at approximately a grazing angle to the coated surface under test. The one or more antennas can be positioned on a base placed proximate to the coated surface. The base can define the area of the coated surface under test. In another embodiment, a method for non-destructive testing of a coated surface includes positioning one or more antennas proximate to a coated surface and exciting a surface traveling wave over an area under test by transmitting RF energy via at least a portion of the one or more antennas. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20150028890 | PAVEMENT MATERIAL MICROWAVE MOISTURE-DENSITY MEASUREMENT METHODS AND APPARATUSES - A portable microwave material gauge for determining the quality of a pavement material is provided. The gauge includes an electromagnetic field generator configured to generate an electric field mode that penetrates into the material wherein the material includes a heterogeneous material including at least one of a pavement material and a soil material, a calibration data set, a sensor of size and shape to support the electric field mode and to determine the response of the pavement material to the electric field wherein determining the response includes determining a change in the permittivity as a function of a change in the quality of the material; and an analyzer configured to correlate the sensor permittivity response to the calibration data set wherein correlating the response includes using stored relationships between the material quality and the sensor response using calibration samples having changes in permittivity as a function of quality. | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150035547 | TIRE INSPECTION USING MICROWAVE IMAGING METHODOLOGIES - A method of inspection of a tire was developed using microwave imaging comprising the steps of selecting a plurality of regions from within a tire to be imaged; determining the dielectric properties of the tire components in each of the selected regions in a plurality of frequency bands; selecting a specific location on a tire to be imaged; providing a scanning platform for microwave imaging of the tire; imaging the selected location on a tire using microwave imaging at a plurality of microwave scanning frequencies and at a selected microwave polarization to obtain images of the internal state of the sample; and filtering the images to remove the effects of curvature of the selected location of the tire. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150077138 | WAVEGUIDE PROBE FOR NONDESTRUCTIVE MATERIAL CHARACTERIZATION - An open-ended waveguide probe including a finite flange extending outwardly and functioning as an infinite flange. A signal source provides a microwave signal to the waveguide, which in turn transmits microwave electromagnetic energy incident upon an object to be tested. The finite flange at the waveguide's aperture is shaped to reduce scattering of the electromagnetic field reflected from the object and received by the aperture. The probe is adapted for coupling to a receiver for sampling the reflected electromagnetic field received by the aperture and the receiver is adapted for coupling to a processor for determining at least one material characteristic of the object based on sampled electromagnetic field reflected from the object. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150115980 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INSPECTING REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURES - An inspection system for a metal-reinforced concrete structure is described. The system includes a radio frequency (RF) system configured to be movable with respect to a surface of the concrete structure while transmitting radio signals into the interior of the structure, and receiving reflected radio signals. The system also includes a processor configured to process the reflected radio signals, so as to obtain a focused image of the reinforcement in at least one selected region within the concrete structure. The image corresponds to the physical condition of the reinforcement. A method for determining the condition of a reinforced concrete structure is also described, utilizing the inspection system. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20160131601 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO MEASURE SALINITY OF MULTI-PHASE FLUIDS - A method of determining salinity of multi-phase fluids in a conduit includes exciting a sensing device to cause emission of electromagnetic waves of one or more frequencies into the multi-phase fluid. The method includes receiving transmitted or reflected electromagnetic waves from the multi-phase fluid. Furthermore, the method includes determining an intermediate parameter from the received electromagnetic waves. The method also includes obtaining estimated values of a plurality of parameters from the intermediate parameter. The estimated values comprise at least one of an estimated value of conductance, an estimated value of susceptance, an estimated value of differential conductance, an estimated value of differential susceptance, an estimated value of a real part of complex permittivity, and an estimated value of an imaginary part of complex permittivity. Salinity of the fluid is determined based, at least in part, on the estimated values of the plurality of parameters. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160197198 | METHOD OF EVALUATING THIN-FILM TRANSISTOR, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THIN-FILM TRANSISTOR, AND THIN-FILM TRANSISTOR | 07-07-2016 |
| 324643000 | To determine water content | 2 |
| 20090256579 | SELF-CHECKING ANALYZER METHOD AND SYSTEM USING REFLECTED POWER/INSERTION LOSS - A self-checking analyzer system is provided according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The analyzer system includes a pipeline for receiving a multi-phase fluid flow. The analyzer system also includes a first measuring device configured to provide a first reflected power/insertion loss measurement corresponding to the multi-phase fluid flow, and a second measuring device differing in frequency response from the first measuring device and configured to provide a second reflected power/insertion loss measurement corresponding to the multi-phase fluid flow. The analyzer system is configured to validate the first reflected power/insertion loss measurement using the second reflected power/insertion loss measurement | 10-15-2009 |
| 20130027060 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR NON-DESTRUCTIVELY MEASURING CALORIE CONTENTS OF FOOD ITEMS - A calorie estimating device for measuring a calorie content of a food item is provided. The device comprises a holder substrate, a transmitter antenna configured to transmit ultra-wide band (UWB) signals to at least a portion of the food item disposed on a side of the holder substrate, wherein the transmitter antenna comprises a planar antenna, a first receiver antenna configured to receive at least a portion of UWB signals reflected by the food item, wherein the first receiver antenna comprises a planar antenna, and a second receiver antenna configured to receive at least a portion of UWB signals propagated through the food item, wherein the second receiver antenna comprises a planar antenna. | 01-31-2013 |
| 324644000 | To determine dimension (e.g., distance or thickness) | 20 |
| 20090066344 | APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR NONDESTRUCTIVE MICROWAVE MEASUREMENT OF DRY AND WET FILM THICKNESS - Wet and dry film thickness can be measured non-invasively on structures, such as surfaces associated with vessels, aircraft and buildings, using calibrated microwave sensors. The film is measured by directing microwave energy toward the film. The microwave energy passes through the film and is reflected by a reflective or semi-reflective substrate surface below the film. Properties of the reflected wave are compared with properties of reflected waves that were passed through calibration samples of known thicknesses to determine the unknown thickness of the film. In some embodiments, one or more sensors are maintained at a fixed altitude above the conductive/semi-conductive substrate for measurement, and in other embodiments, one or more sensors are maintained at a fixed altitude above the film. In one embodiment, sensors are associated with a coating applicator, with a first sensor preceding the applicator and a second sensor following the applicator to measure the thickness of the film applied by the applicator by comparing measurements before and after coating. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090085582 | MICROWAVE DETERMINATION OF LOCATION AND SPEED OF AN OBJECT INSIDE A PIPE - Apparatus and method are described for measuring the location and speed of an object, such as instrumentation on a movable platform, disposed within a pipe, using continuous-wave, amplitude-modulated microwave radiation. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090134884 | Method for determining the layer thickness of a tbc coating of at least one blade of a non-positive-displacement machine, a corresponding tbc layer thickness measuring device for carrying out the method and use of the method and the tbc layer thickness measuring device - A method determines the layer thickness of a TBC coating of at least one blade of a non-positive-displacement machine. To this end, at least one electromagnetic wave is emitted to the surface of the at least one blade, the at least one electromagnetic wave is then at least partially reflected by the at least one blade, and the reflected portion of the at least one electromagnetic wave is received and subsequently processed. In addition, the at least one electromagnetic wave is emitted with a frequency matched to the layer thickness of the TBC coating, and the phase of the at least one electromagnetic wave is compared with the phase of the at least one received electromagnetic wave. The at least one emitted electromagnetic wave undergoes a phase change during reflection and the layer thickness of the TBC coating is determined by the phase comparison. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090273352 | SENSOR APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR TIME DOMAIN REFLECTOMETRY - A sensor probe for time domain reflectometry may include a plurality of flexible elongated strips of an electrically conductive material extending from a proximal end portion of the probe to a distal end portion thereof. Each of the elongated strips can be substantially coplanar relative to each other along a path that is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the probe, and the plurality of elongated strips also being in a substantially parallel arrangement along the length of the probe. A flexible substrate of an insulating material can be attached to the sheets to maintain the sheets in the substantially parallel and coplanar arrangement. A connector is electrically coupled to the strips for providing communication of electrical signals relative to the strips. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20100066387 | Device for determining the distance between a rotor blade and a wall of a turbine engine surrounding the rotor blade - A device for determining distance between a rotor blade and a wall of a gas turbine surrounding the rotor blade is provided. A waveguide guides and emits electromagnetic waves of at least one frequency in the direction of the rotor blade through a waveguide opening facing the rotor blade. The electromagnetic waves are injected into the waveguide and reflected portions of the electromagnetic waves are received. An evaluation unit compares the phase of the electromagnetic waves to be injected with the phase of the reflected portions of the electromagnetic waves and determines phase comparison values for every frequency and the distance is determined based on the phase comparison values. The waveguide comprises a sealing element which is configured to be transmissible for the electromagnetic waves of the frequency and which has two opposite surfaces in the direction of guidance of the electromagnetic waves. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100123467 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASURING THICKNESS OF A REFRACTORY WALL OF A GASIFIER USING ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY - A system and method for measuring a thickness of a refractory wall of a gasifier using electromagnetic energy is disclosed. The system includes a waveguide with a bistatic or monostatic phased array antenna at one end. The waveguide is operably connected to a Network Analyzer that generates a pulse of electromagnetic energy with a desired bandwidth. The pulse is transmitted through a coaxial cable to the waveguide. The reflection of the pulse is received by the waveguide and input to a data acquisition system. An output device displays the resolvable discontinuities in impedance encountered by the pulse in its propagation path in the system | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100207642 | Device for Measuring the Thickness of a Layer of Material | 08-19-2010 |
| 20110037483 | MESS-SENSOR - The invention relates to a sensor having a conductor arrangement and an intervening dielectric to detect local sensor impedances in response to external forces. The conductor arrangement comprises elongate conductor strips between which the intervening dielectric is arranged as a compressible insulating medium. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110050248 | Method and Apparatus for Nondestructive Measuring of a Coating Thickness on a Curved Surface - An improved method and apparatus for non-destructive measurements of coating thicknesses on a curved surface by measuring components of the microwave energy reflected from the surface. Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a portable microwave thickness detector with a rounded rocker-type base allowing the microwave beam to be moved through a range of angles with respect to the target surface. An optical alignment system determines when the microwave angle of incidence is at a desired angle when the components of the reflected microwave energy are measured. Preferred embodiments of the present invention also provide a portable microwave thickness detector which maintains a constant standoff distance between the between the microwave detector and the sample to be measured. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110062965 | DEVICE FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF COATING THICKNESSES BY MEANS OF MICROWAVES - A device for measurement of a thickness of a coating applied to a substrate includes a transmitter/receiver module configured to transmit and receive microwave radiation; a computing unit; and a probe having a flange and an inner and an outer conductor, wherein the outer conductor coaxially surrounds the inner conductor, and wherein the inner conductor includes at least one thickened section. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110062966 | INSTRUMENT PORT SEAL FOR RF MEASUREMENT - An apparatus includes a blade clearance detection system. A probe is configured to communication detection frequencies from and gather reflected signals for the blade tip detection system. The probe has an end supported relative to the casing. A material provides a reference point. The blade tip clearance detection system is configured to generate a first detection frequency configured to pass through the material to detect the position of a target structure, generate a second detection frequency configured to reflect from and detect the reference point, and determine a position of a surface approximate to the target structure based upon the reference point. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20120126832 | Sensor Assembly And Methods Of Measuring A Proximity Of A Machine Component To A Sensor - A sensor assembly for use in monitoring a machine component includes a signal processing device and at least one probe. The at least one probe includes an emitter configured to generate an electromagnetic field from at least one microwave signal, wherein the emitter is detuned when a machine component is positioned within the electromagnetic field such that a loading signal is generated. The at least one probe also includes a transmitter coupled to the emitter and configured to wirelessly transmit the loading signal to the signal processing device. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20130113501 | DOUBLE PISTON ROD - A distance measuring apparatus for detecting the position of a reflection body in a line structure is provided that includes a sensor device, which has at least one antenna for feeding a transmission signal as an electromagnetic wave into the line structure and for receiving the electromagnetic wave reflected on the reflection body. The sensor device also includes evaluation electronics which are configured to determine the position of the reflection body from the phase difference between the transmitted and the received wave. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20140084945 | INTERFACE DETECTION - The invention relates to a method for determining a level of a material interface in a tank, by means of a radar level gauge system comprising a transceiver; a probe for guiding a transmitted electromagnetic signal towards the material interface. The probe comprises a first plurality of reference impedance transitions located above the interface at known physical distances from a reference position, and a second plurality of reference impedance transitions located below the interface at known physical distances from the reference position. The method comprising determining electrical distances to the first and second plurality of reference impedance transitions based on a signal reflected by the reference impedance transition, determining, a first and a second approximation function relating the first and second sets of electrical distance values to the physical distances; and determining the level of the material interface based on the first approximation function and the second approximation function. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140210488 | METHOD OF FILLING LEVEL MEASUREMENT OF LAYERED MEDIA - A method of filling level measurement in a container ( | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140253147 | FMCW RADAR LEVEL GAUGE WITH LOCK STATE CONTROL - The present invention relates to a radar level gauge system comprising PLL circuitry for generating an output signal. The PLL circuitry is configured to indicate a lock state of the PLL circuitry; and signal modifying circuitry is connected to the PLL circuitry for receiving the output signal and for modifying at least one property of the output signal for forming the transmit signal. The signal modifying circuitry is arranged and configured to receive a PLL status signal indicative of the lock state of the PLL circuitry, and to modify the at least one property of the output signal in response to the PLL status signal indicating that the PLL circuitry is in a locked state. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20150097580 | TIP CLEARANCE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM - A tip clearance measurement system (TCMS) includes a probe and sensing circuitry. The probe directs microwave signals toward a turbine blade and receives microwave signals reflected by the turbine blade. The sensing circuitry includes a switch having a first state in which a main frequency is provided at an output of the switch and a second state in which a reference frequency is provided at an output of the switch. The sensing circuitry further includes a first conditioning circuit that receives a frequency provided at the output of the switch and provides a conditioned frequency to the probe and a second conditioning circuit that receives both the conditioned frequency provided by the first conditioning circuit and a reflected frequency received by the probe, and provides a conditioned output based on the conditioned frequency and reflected frequency. | 04-09-2015 |
| 20150340750 | TERMINATION ELEMENT FOR FILL LEVEL MEASURING DEVICE AND FILL LEVEL MEASURING DEVICE - A fill level measuring device ( | 11-26-2015 |
| 20160252466 | Waste Water Assessment | 09-01-2016 |
| 20170234808 | MATERIAL EROSION MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD | 08-17-2017 |
| 324645000 | Having standing wave pattern | 2 |
| 20100001744 | STANDING WAVE MEASURING UNIT AND STANDING WAVE MEASURING METHOD IN WAVEGUIDE, ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE UTILIZATION APPARATUS, PLASMA PROCESSING APPARATUS AND PLASMA PROCESSING METHOD - [Problem] To precisely measure a standing wave to be an indication for comprehending a guide wavelength λg or the like in a waveguide. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100231236 | Integrated VSWR Detector for Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits - An integrated RF circuit is disclosed having an RF input port and an RF output port. The RF output port is for being coupled with a known impedance to an external circuit element such as an antenna. At least an RF circuit element is disposed along a propagation path between the RF input port and the RF output port. The RF circuit element has a first input port and a first output port and is for affecting a signal received at the first input port and providing the affected signal to the first output port. The integrated RF circuit also has a VSWR detector circuit for measuring a ratio of a characteristic of RF signals at the first input port and a same characteristic of the RF signals at the first output port and for providing an indication of the ratio at a VSWR output port. The measured ratio of the characteristic is affected by an impedance of the coupling thereby providing an indication relating to the coupling. | 09-16-2010 |
| 324646000 | To determine reflection coefficient | 1 |
| 20110043223 | NON INVASIVE METHOD FOR MONITORING THE CURING PROCESS OF A THERMOSET PLASTIC MATERIAL THROUGH THE USE OF MICROWAVES AND MICROWAVE DEVICE FOR THE APPLICATION THEREOF - The invention refers to a method for the non-invasive monitoring of the chemical reaction linked to the curing process of a thermoset plastic material using microwaves, from the real-time measurements of the reflection coefficient of a resonator sensor using a detector that simultaneously provides modulus and phase values. | 02-24-2011 |
