US3681684A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Microwave moisture sensing system and method
Assignee: Beloit Corp
•
Filing: 1970-08-03
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Granted: 1972-08-01
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Expires: 1990-08-03
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for measuring the amount of moisture in a sample which is generally formed of a microwave energy source, a microwave radiating element connected to the source, a microwave energy receiving element, and a microwave energy indication connected to the receiving element. The sample is positioned between the radiating and receiving elements and a structure is provided for changing the energy transmission path through the sample by at least one-half wavelength of the microwave energy. Such means may take the form of a frequency modulator connected to the source, a dielectric disc in the transmission path, or a structure for continuously changing the distance between the radiating element and the sample or combination of these means.
Inventors
- 👤 Leroy H Busker
- 👤 Robert J Mosher
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 22:15
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N22/00; G01N22/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
141 words
Means for measuring the amount of moisture in a sample comprising: a source of microwave energy; means for frequency modulating said source of microwave energy; a first radiating horn connected to said source of microwave energy and directing microwave energy toward the sample from one side thereof; a first receiving horn mounted on the other side of the sample and positioned to receive energy from said first radiating horn; a second radiating horn mounted on said other side of the sample and offset from said first radiating horn and said first receiving horn; a first waveguide connecting said first receiving horn to said second radiating horn; a second receiving horn mounted on said one side of said sample and aligned with said second radiating horn to receive energy therefrom through said sample; and indicating means coupled to said second receiving horn.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
141 words
Means for measuring the amount of moisture in a sample comprising: a source of microwave energy; means for frequency modulating said source of microwave energy; a first radiating horn connected to said source of microwave energy and directing microwave energy toward the sample from one side thereof; a first receiving horn mounted on the other side of the sample and positioned to receive energy from said first radiating horn; a second radiating horn mounted on said other side of the sample and offset from said first radiating horn and said first receiving horn; a first waveguide connecting said first receiving horn to said second radiating horn; a second receiving horn mounted on said one side of said sample and aligned with said second radiating horn to receive energy therefrom through said sample; and indicating means coupled to said second receiving horn.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
77 words
Means for measuring the amount of moisture according to claim 1 comprising a third radiating horn on said one side of said sample and offset from said first and second radiating horns and directing energy through said sample, a second waveguide connecting said second receiving horn to said third radiating horn, and a third receiving horn on said other side of said sample and receiving energy from said third radiating horn and connected to said indicating means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
Means for measuring the amount of moisture according to claim 1 comprising at least one dielectric microwave lens mounted between said first radiating and said first receiving horns.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3079551A
Cited
US3534260A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-08-01 | 1976-01-31 | 1976-08-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-08-01 | 1980-01-31 | 1980-08-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-08-01 | 1984-01-31 | 1984-08-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |