Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method and test setup for reducing the RF power requirement in active load pull uses impedance tuners between the output of the test transistor and the active RF power injection network. The active network uses either a closed loop (active load) configuration or an open loop network employing split or synchronized signal sources. The impedance tuners are wideband (fundamental) tuners, harmonic rejection tuners or multi-harmonic tuners. A 7:1 transforming ratio of the tuners represents the best compromise between power matching and tuner loss, yielding a reduction of 11dB in power requirements from the active load or the synchronized source(s); if only the fundamental signal is injected at the output of the DUT, a multi-harmonic tuner or a harmonic rejection tuner is used for independent harmonic tuning; if multiple harmonic signals are injected, a multi-harmonic tuner is used and creates passive harmonic loads while reducing at the same time the power requirements from the harmonic injection sources.

Abstract: A slotted TEM transmission line and an in-situ TEM transmission line are utilized to determine both complex permittivity and permeability of soil. The permittivity and permeability information may be used by underground sensing techniques such as GPR and EMI to enhance information from these techniques. The in-situ probe provides that both complex permittivity and permeability can be measured simultaneously over a broad frequency range without disturbing the soil conditions.

Abstract: Dynamically adapting a continuous presence (CP) layout in a videoconference enhances a videoconferencing experience by providing optimum visibility to regions of interest within the CP layout and ignoring regions of no interest. Based on the CP layout, a CP video image can be built, in which a conferee at a receiving endpoint can observe, simultaneously, several other participants' sites in the conference. For example, more screen space within the CP layout is devoted to presenting the participants in the conference and little or no screen space is used to present an empty seat, an empty room, or an unused portion of a room. Aspect ratios of segments of the CP layout (e.g., landscape vs. portrait) can be adjusted to optimally present the regions of interest. The CP layout can be adjusted as regions of interest change depending on the dynamics of the video conference.

Abstract: At least one embodiment is directed to a sensor for measuring a parameter. A signal path of the system comprises an amplifier (612), a sensor element, and an amplifier (620). The sensor element comprises a transducer (4), a waveguide (5), and a transducer (30). A parameter such as force or pressure applied to the sensor element can change the length of waveguide (5). A pulsed energy wave is emitted by the transducer (4) into the waveguide (5) at a first location. The transducer (30) is responsive pulsed energy waves at a second location of the waveguide (5). The transit time of each pulsed energy wave is measured. The transit time corresponds to the pressure or force applied to the sensor element.

Abstract: At least one embodiment is directed to a sensor for measuring a parameter. A signal path of the system comprises an amplifier (612), a sensor element, and an amplifier (620). The sensor element comprises a transducer (4) at a first location of a waveguide (5), and a reflective surface (30) at a second location of the waveguide (5). A parameter such as force or pressure applied to the sensor element can change the length of waveguide (5). A pulsed energy wave is emitted by the transducer (4) into the waveguide (5) at the first location. The transducer (4) is responsive to pulsed energy waves reflected from reflective surface (30) to the second location. The transit time of each pulsed energy wave is measured. The transit time corresponds to the pressure or force applied to the sensor element.

Abstract: An apparatus for ascertaining and/or monitoring at least one fill-level of at least one medium in a container according to a travel-time measuring method and/or a capacitive measuring method by means of at least one measuring probe. A capacitive measurement circuit, which produces a low frequency measurement signal on the measuring probe, a time-domain reflectometer measurement circuit, which produces a high frequency, electromagnetic signal sent out as a sent signal and a control/evaluation unit, which controls both measurement circuits are included. Also included is a diplexer, which sends the low-frequency measurement signal and the high-frequency, electromagnetic measurement signal to the measuring probe and effects a signal separation of the high-frequency, electromagnetic measurement signal into the first signal path of the time-domain reflectometer measurement circuit and the low-frequency measurement signal into the second signal path of the capacitive measurement circuit.

Abstract: Low loss current and voltage probes are integrated in parallel plate airlines (slablines) to be used either as separate modules inserted between tuner and DUT in load pull test setups, or integrated in the impedance tuners themselves. The probes are inserted orthogonally at exactly the same reference plane relative to the DUT, maximizing bandwidth and the minimizing deformation of the detected electric and magnetic fields. The probes are used to detect the actual voltage and current waveforms and feed into an amplitude-and-phase calibrated high speed oscilloscope, including several harmonic frequencies. The actual real time voltage and current time domain waves are transformed into the frequency domain using fast Fourier transformation (FFT), de-embedded to the DUT reference plane and inverse transformed into the time domain using inverse Fourier transformation (FFT?1). The result of this real-time operation is the actual dynamic load line of the DUT at its terminals.

Abstract: Provided is a waveguide for guiding an electromagnetic wave between a first conductor layer and a second conductor layer each having a negative dielectric constant real part for the electromagnetic wave, the waveguide including a tapered structure in a part of the waveguide at which the electromagnetic wave exits or enters, in which a spatial profile of the tapered structure perpendicular to an optical axis extends to both sides with respect to the optical axis at least in one direction orthogonal to the optical axis as being closer to an opening plane at an outermost part of the tapered structure.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A harmonic rejection tuner, used for reflecting RF power at the harmonic frequencies in a load pull measurement setup, uses adjustable capacitive grounding of half wavelength long resonator stubs in order to vary the electrical length and thus the resonant frequency of the resonators. Since the resonators themselves are by nature narrowband, this frequency adjustability allows for a higher frequency bandwidth and better coverage of operational frequency range of the test setup. Since load pull measurements are carried out mostly at fixed frequencies, adjustment of the capacitive shorts can be either manual or by remote control. Capacitive shorting the resonator stubs allows DC bias to be applicable to the device under test through the tuner.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for remote detection and monitoring of concealed objects are disclosed. According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes one or more transmitting antennae, one or more receiving antennae with a plurality of receiving channels, a pulse sequence generator providing a sequence of pulse signals to the one or more transmitting antennae, and a signal processing unit receiving a sequence of return signals from an object reflecting the sequence of pulse signals. The signal processing unit includes a variable delay generator that receives signal profile of the sequence of pulse signals from the pulse sequence generator, an amplifier that amplifies the sequence of return signals, a multi-channel integrator that integrates the plurality of receiving channels and produces integrated multi-channel signals, and an analog multiplexer that multiplexes the integrated multi-channel signals.

Abstract: A method for detecting the position of a piston of a piston cylinder is provided. A microwave transmit signal is emitted in the direction of the piston and microwaves reflected from the piston are detected. The transmit signal comprises a modulated signal with a base frequency sinusoidally modulated at a modulation frequency. An evaluation of the phase between transmit signals and receive signals is performed. A phase determination at the baseband and a simultaneous phase determination at at least one sideband are also performed. The phase determination at the baseband is used for fine determination of the piston position and the phase determination at the at least one sideband is used for coarse determination of the piston position. Bandpass filtering on receive signals and evaluation transmit signals is performed with respect to the base frequency or an intermediate frequency. Bandpass filtering is performed with respect to the modulation frequency.

Abstract: A conduit survey apparatus having a carriage capable of movement axially down a conduit. The carrier includes a radio frequency (RF) signal generator and an RF signal detector positioned on the carriage along with a controller controlling the signal generator and signal detector. The carrier further includes a waveguide with an open throat transmitting signals from the signal generator and directing received signals to the signal detector. Finally, the carrier includes a waveguide positioner mounted on the carrier and adapted to selectively engage an interior wall of the conduit, wherein the waveguide guide is connected to the positioner such that the open throat of the waveguide is within about 1 inch of the interior wall when the positioner engages the interior wall.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method of using of a level meter employing the radar principle, serving to measure the fill level of a medium in a container and incorporating an electric conductor system for conducting an electromagnetic signal into the container and returning reflected components of the electromagnetic signal from the container, the electric conductor system terminating at a predefined level in the container. In practicing the method a variation of the component of the electromagnetic signal reflected at the container-oriented end of the conductor system is utilized as an indicator of the attainment of the predefined fill level by the medium. This permits the detection of very small amounts of a medium for instance in the monitoring of drain pipes, spillway basins or leak-detection systems.

Abstract: 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 and a first measuring device configured to provide a first frequency response corresponding to the multi-phase fluid flow. The analyzer system also includes a second measuring device differing in frequency response from the first measuring device and configured to provide a second frequency response corresponding to the multi-phase fluid flow. The analyzer system is configured to validate the first frequency response using the second frequency response.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A cylindrical waveguide (1) used for analyzing a flowing stream of corn masa (18) using a guided microwave spectroscopy (GMS) process. The waveguide (1) includes opposed spaced apart plates (2, 5) that each define a plane within the waveguide housing (3) that is parallel to the direction (47) of corn masa flow through the waveguide. The housing (1) includes two opposed frames (7, 19) that each surround an aperture (6) that permits access to the region between the waveguide plates (2, 5). A microwave probe assembly (81) is mounted at each frame (7, 19) to permit the radiation and reception of electromagnetic waves within the housing (1) as required to perform the GMS process. A temperature probe (51) is inserted into the interior of the housing (1) at a fitting (13). In an actual installation a y-shaped assembly (89) can be used to divide the corn masa flow into two separate paths with one path containing the waveguide (1).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A plasma system (1) has a circuit including a DC source (6), a power supply line (9), an electrodes (2, 3), and a return line (18). A perturbation signal source (8) delivers a perturbation signal into the circuit in addition to DC voltage from the DC source (6). Acquisition (10) and analysis (11) systems measure response to the perturbation. The analysis system (11) measures variation in impedance of the circuit and phase between voltage and current in the circuit. It also uses a frequency domain reflectrometry technique to measure signal reflection modulus of a supply line of the circuit over a defined frequency range.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method for estimating cable length includes steps of generating a detection signal to a cable, wherein the detection signal includes a first pulse and a second pulse with opposite voltages in sequence; receiving a refection signal of the detection signal from the cable; and determining length of the cable according to a superposed waveform of the detection signal and the refection signal.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical microwave impedance tuner operates as a stand-alone instrument and includes on-board digital processor, firmware, memory, digital display and human control interface, in form of a joystick, mouse, keyboard or tactile (touch sensitive) screen in order to recognize and execute commands for moving the tuner motors and probes, generating required microwaves impedances and calculating losses and de-embedding to reference planes different than the tuner ports. Before being used in operations the tuner can also be controlled by a control computer in order to be calibrated on a network analyzer and the data can be uploaded into the on-board memory in order to be used in the above calculations. During measurement and tuning operations the tuner is therefore stand-alone and totally independent of a control computer.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and probe for examining tissue for the presence of target cells, particularly cancerous cells, by subjecting the tissue to be examined to a contrast agent containing small particles of a physical element conjugated with a biological carrier selectively bindable to the target cells. Energy pulses are applied to the examined tissue. The changes in impedance and/or optical characteristics of the examined tissue produced by the applied energy pulses are detected and utilized for determining the presence of the target cells in the examined tissue. In a described preferred embodiment, the applied energy pulses include laser pulses, and the physical element conjugated with a biological carrier is a light-sensitive semiconductor having an impedance which substantially decreases in the presence of light. The same probe used for detecting the targeted cells may also be used for destroying the cells so targeted.

Abstract: A resonance scanning system and method for testing equipment for electromagnetic resonances uses a resonance detection subsystem with at least one probe to identify at least one of a resonating location, a resonating frequency and a quality factor of a resonance of the equipment and an automatic scanning subsystem to displace the probe to different testing locations of the equipment so that the resonance detection subsystem can determine if any of the different testing locations of the equipment exhibits electromagnetic resonances.

Abstract: A method and device for calculating the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) caused in a body by the electric field of a wireless communications device. The method involves using a model of a body, wherein the device is placed in proximity to the model and the electric field is measured at discrete points, including measuring the magnitude of the electric field at points of a first and a second surface of the model. By means of the measured magnitudes, the phase at said points is determined, such that the complex electric field at said points is determined. The complex electric field at said points is then used to determine the complex electric field in the model of the body. The complex electric field is used in order to calculate the SAR value caused by the device.

Abstract: A hydration and composition measurement device and technique that in one embodiment includes a microcontroller; a phase lock loop frequency synthesizer controlled by the microcontroller to generate radio frequencies; a cavity for use in resonating at a set of frequencies; a radio frequency power detector for measuring perturbed cavity resonance; and an analyzer. The hydration and composition measurement device may further include a circulator, which receives frequencies from the phase lock loop frequency synthesizer, and an antenna connected to the circulator and cavity. The cavity may be defined by a metallic material or members, and the cavity includes a hole configured to provide access of tissue to be tested to the cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting a covered dielectric object, where a microwave signal that can be modified in frequency is generated at a particular bandwidth and transmitted in the direction of the covered dielectric object. The microwave signal reflected by the object is then obtained from the three-dimensional measurement result in a lateral, two-dimensional pattern, a highest signal amplitude and a second-highest signal amplitude within a particular time period before or after the received microwave signal is identified in a plurality of pattern points of the pattern. The object is detected if an accumulation of pattern points of the pattern is present, in which the difference in each case between the highest and the second highest signal amplitude of the received microwave signal is less than a defined threshold value.

Abstract: A microwave diffraction system includes two plates, a lattice model, a transmitter and a detector. The two plates are electrically conductive and configured in a parallel manner so as to form a planar waveguide. The lattice model includes a plurality of cylinders arranged in regular order and is placed between the two plates. The transmitter is arranged at an outside edge of the planar waveguide and configured for providing a microwave towards the lattice model. The detector is arranged at outside edge of the planar waveguide and configured for detecting the microwave reflected from the lattice model. The diffraction pattern obtained by the above-mentioned microwave diffraction system is similar to theoretical value.

Abstract: A thermometer is provided. A housing has at least one opening. A dielectric element is disposed in the housing. At least one microwave guide is coupled to the at least one opening for providing a signal into the dielectric element for propagation at a resonant frequency and for receiving the signal from the dielectric element. A temperature determination unit receives the signal from the at least one microwave guide, measures the resonant frequency of the dielectric element, and determines the temperature of the dielectric element based on a relationship between resonant frequency and temperature of the dielectric element.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining the thickness of material layers of a container-held substance comprising a first material disposed in an upper layer and a second material disposed in a lower layer, by transmitting a radio signal through the substance towards a container portion; receiving reflected signals from a surface of the upper layer, a surface of the second layer, and the container portion; varying the frequency of the transmitted signal to determine phase displacement between transmitted and reflected signals; determining optical distances to the surfaces and the container portion, dependent on the phase displacements; determining the thickness of one of said layers dependent on phase displacement through and index of refraction of that layer; and determining the thickness of the other layer dependent on the thickness of said one of said layers.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a lifetime of charge carriers that has a measuring probe and a component for directing ultraviolet radiation to a measuring position. The measuring probe also includes at least one electrode provided at a predetermined spatial relationship to the measuring position. A microwave source is adapted to direct microwave radiation to the measuring position, a microwave detector is adapted to measure an alteration of an intensity of microwave radiation reflected at the measuring position in response to the ultraviolet radiation and a semiconductor structure holder is adapted to receive a semiconductor structure and to provide an electric contact to a portion of the semiconductor structure. Additionally, a device for moving the substrate holder relative to the measuring probe is provided for positioning at least one portion of the semiconductor structure at the measuring position.

Abstract: A container position measuring method using a microwave sensor 31 which emits microwave 35 and receives reflected wave of the microwave 35, wherein a position of a corner portion of a transportation container is measured by reflected wave from the corner portion. The microwave 35 is not influenced by weather and color of a transportation container 18. Therefore it is possible to reliably measure position data of the transportation container. The microwave 35 does not easily receive the influence of weather and color of the transportation container. The present invention provides a position measuring method capable of stably measure position data of the transportation container.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A configurable semiconductor device includes at least one select pin configured to connect to one of a plurality of impedances. The impedances are external to the configurable semiconductor device and have impedance values within predetermined tolerances. A measurement circuit is connected to the at least one select pin. The measurement circuit is configured to measure electrical characteristics of the plurality of impedances, correlate the electrical characteristics to respective predetermined ranges of impedances, and generate digital output values corresponding to the correlation. A controller is configured to control a characteristic of the configurable semiconductor device based on the digital output values. Spacing between the respective predetermined ranges of impedances is based on the predetermined tolerances.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting anomalies, such as corrosion, on internal surfaces of hollow elongate bodies, such as pipelines. The pipeline is treated as a circular waveguide, and a fast rise time pulse or a spectrum of electromagnetic waves is launched down the waveguide to perform time domain, or equivalent of time domain (e.g., frequency domain), reflectometry. Anomalies in the internal structure of the pipeline cause reflections which can be measured and related to the physical parameters of the pipeline structure and identified to a particular location.

Abstract: A calibration device for adjusting the forward power and reflected power measured via a single measuring directional coupler which is connected to a high-frequency transmitter, the forward power that is attenuated with ak+x and decoupled being used as a reference value. The calibration device comprises a changeover switch that is embodied as a double switch and is connected to the control and display unit via a control wire. A control signal that actuates the changeover switch is transmitted by the control and display unit, whereby switching occurs from a measurement of the reflected power to a measurement of the forward power. The forward power and the reflected power are measured via the same measuring directional coupler and by means of the same measuring sensor which is composed of a low pass and a rectifier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of analyzing a material contained inside a process vessel. An electromagnetic signal is applied to an elongated processing structure inside the vessel. The propagated electromagnetic signal is detected and information about dielectric properties of the material is extracted based on the detected signal. The invention also relates to a device comprising an elongated processing structure and a use of a processing structure.

Abstract: A method and a device for measuring dielectric characteristics by generating a microwave signal, dividing the signal into reference and sounding signals, irradiating a body with the microwave signal, receiving the reflected, reference and total signals and in detecting said signals. The irradiation is carried out by a waveguide wave, the wave number of which in the free space filled with dielectric, is selected within a range from 1.0 to 1.07 the propagation number of the waveguide wave.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method related to a process for treating pharmaceutical contents in a pharmaceutical processing vessel is provided. The contents have a number of predefined parameters of variable values. According to the method electromagnetic radiation of various frequencies is transmitted into the vessel and its contents. Electromagnetic radiation which has interacted with the contents is received. Based on the received electromagnetic radiation, a respective value of a physical quantity related to the contents is determining for a plurality of said frequencies. A combination of values of said predefined parameters which would, for said plurality of frequencies, approximately result in the determined values of said physical quantity is determined.