By Microwave Arrangement Patents (Class 374/122)
  • Patent number: 11903689
    Abstract: A non-invasive analyte sensor device that includes a sensor housing, and a decoupled antenna/detector array having at least one transmit antenna/element and at least one receive antenna/element. The sensor housing has a maximum length dimension no greater than 50 mm, a maximum width dimension no greater than 50 mm, a maximum thickness dimension no greater than 25 mm, and a total interior volume of no greater than about 62.5 cm3. In addition, the at least one transmit antenna/element and the at least one receive antenna/element have a maximum spacing therebetween that does not exceed 50 mm and a minimum spacing therebetween that is at least 1.0 mm, and the at least one transmit antenna/element and the at least one receive antenna/element are less than 95% coupled to one another, or less than 90% coupled to one another, or less than 85% coupled to one another, or less than 75% coupled to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: KNOW LABS, INC.
    Inventors: Phillip Bosua, Ronald Erickson
  • Patent number: 10506930
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for microwave-frequency, passive sensing of internal body temperature. Some implementations include one or more wearable sensors that wirelessly transmit temperature data continuously to a remote receiver. The sensor can include a probe designed to be placed on a skin site of an individual to receive near-field radiation at the skin site, and a radiometer to detect a total power of the received near-field radiation. The remote receiver includes a signal processing system that can convert the detected total power to an internal tissue temperature measurement by applying the detected power to a tissue stack model. The tissue stack model can characterize the skin site according to a set of weighting functions, each weighting function corresponding at least to electromagnetic characteristics of an associated tissue layer of the tissue stack model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: The University of Colorado, a body corporate
    Inventors: Zorana Popovic, Robert Scheeler, Parisa Momenroodaki, William David Haines
  • Patent number: 10267837
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus for detecting low level pulses of millimeter wave electromagnetic radiation, such as by detecting the presence of weak electromagnetic emissions inside or around an electromagnetic radiation-emitting device, such as a millimeter wave scanner. The apparatus may also be used to assess such emissions and display a graphical and numerical indication of a sensed level of energy density. A hand-held portable apparatus for detecting low levels of electromagnetic radiation as well as a method for detecting low levels of electromagnetic radiation are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Homeland Security
    Inventors: Howard Bassen, Gonzalo Mendoza, Amir Razjouyan, Mohammed Eslami, Negin Shahshahan
  • Patent number: 9958343
    Abstract: Apparatuses and systems for determining a temperature of a targeted subject are disclosed. A temperature sensing system may include an antenna for sensing electromagnetic radiation (e.g., microwaves, etc.) emanating from the source. Based on that electromagnetic radiation, the antenna generates a temperature signal. A switch, which is located at or adjacent to an output of the antenna, receives the temperature signal, as well as a reference signal from a termination. The temperature signal and the reference signal are conveyed along a cable to a signal converter. Signal-altering events that affect the temperature signal as it is conveyed also affect the reference signal. Thus, any error caused by a signal-altering event automatically cancels out. The signal converter measures or otherwise processes the temperature signal and, since there is no need to correct for errors in the temperature signal, the reference signal, and accurately calculates the temperature of the source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: BRAIN TEMP, INC.
    Inventor: Robert C. Allison
  • Patent number: 9687151
    Abstract: The embodiments herein discloses a device with simultaneous X-ray and infrared acquisition and processing systems for an enhance breast imaging. The device has a positioning assembly housed inside a closed chamber and provided with the Infrared and X-ray imaging systems to simultaneously capture an infra red image and an X-ray image of the breast under examination. A patient support table with an opening is provided to enable a patient to lie in a prone position without compressing a breast during imaging. The device is used to correlate anatomical and physiological characteristics and post process analysis of a breast tissue thereby reducing a number of to false positive results. Further the device helps in focusing on a suspected area in a follow-up procedure and aids post processing treatment like targeted biopsy and targeted radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: TUSCANO EQUIPMENTS PRIVATE LIMITED
    Inventors: Kannan Neelakanta, Jayanthi Anand, Sudhan Chandrasekaran, Rajendran Cherukandath, Jayaraman Kiruthi Vasan
  • Patent number: 9599401
    Abstract: A method and device for controlling a melting and refining process in an electric arc furnace for melting a metal, wherein the electric arc furnace includes molten and solid metal and a slag layer on the surface of the molten metal, wherein an electromagnetic stirrer is arranged for stirring the molten metal. The method includes calculating/determining masses of the molten and solid metal at a point of time, wherein the calculation is based on initial values of the molten and solid metal, an arc power supplied to the electric arc furnace, and temperatures of the molten and solid metal, determining a stirring power based on the calculated/determined masses, and supplying the determined stirring power to the electromagnetic stirrer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Michael Lundh, Xiaojing Zhang, Jan-Erik Eriksson, Lidong Teng, Carl-Fredrik Lindberg
  • Publication number: 20150036718
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for detecting thermal emissions from the new moon, wherein the new moon is positioned at an angle of less than about 5 degrees from the Sun. The invention utilizes a radio telescope, wherein a side-lobe level of the radio telescope is less than about ?20 dB, wherein an effective telescope diameter of the radio telescope depends on a wavelength of operation. Further, a FWHM beamwidth of the radio telescope is less than about 0.5 degree. The method comprises setting one or more of the operating frequency of the radio telescope to a value selected from the range of about 1 GHz and about 100 GHz, and the operating bandwidth of the radio telescope to a value selected from the range of about 1 GHz and about 10 GHz. In addition, the method comprises collecting at least one observation from the radio telescope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)
    Inventors: Yaser A. Hafez, Hamoud H. Alharbi
  • Patent number: 8810447
    Abstract: A calibration device, capable of calibrating a gain of a radiometer, includes an actuator and a micro-electromechanical-system (MEMS) unit. The actuator receives a calibration signal outputted from a control unit. The MEMS unit is coupled to the actuator, in which the actuator enables the MEMS unit to shield an antenna of the radiometer according to the calibration signal, such that the radiometer generates an environmental signal according to an equivalent radiant temperature received from the MEMS unit, and the control unit calibrates the gain of the radiometer according to the environmental signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chun-Yen Huang, Chin-Chung Nien, Li-Yuan Chang, Chen-Ming Li, Ya-Chung Yu
  • Patent number: 8736919
    Abstract: An imaging system is provided, including a detection unit and a scan unit. The detection unit senses radiation of a target area. The scan unit directs the radiation to the detection unit, in which the scanning unit scans the target area N times at a constant speed within a scan period, such that each of the pixels of the target area is scanned N times by the scan unit, thereby the detection unit generates N sub-detection values for each of the pixels and adds the N sub-detection values up to generate a detection value for each of the pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Li-Yuan Chang, Chin-Chung Nien, Lien-Yi Cho, Chun-Yen Huang, Ya-Chung Yu, Chen-Ming Li
  • Publication number: 20130345692
    Abstract: A microwave ablation system incorporates a microwave thermometer that couples to a microwave transmission network connecting a microwave generator to a microwave applicator to measure noise temperature. The noise temperature is processed to separate out components the noise temperature including the noise temperature of the tissue being treated and the noise temperature of the microwave transmission network. The noise temperature may be measured by a radiometer while the microwave generator is generating the microwave signal or during a period when the microwave signal is turned off. The microwave ablation system may be configured as a modular system having one or more thermometry network modules that are connectable between a microwave applicator and a microwave generator. Alternatively, the modular system includes a microwave generator, a microwave applicator, and a microwave cable that incorporate a microwave thermometry network module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph D. Brannan
  • Publication number: 20130345693
    Abstract: A microwave ablation system incorporates a microwave thermometer that couples to a microwave transmission network connecting a microwave generator to a microwave applicator to measure noise temperature. The noise temperature is processed to separate out components the noise temperature including the noise temperature of the tissue being treated and the noise temperature of the microwave transmission network. The noise temperature may be measured by a radiometer while the microwave generator is generating the microwave signal or during a period when the microwave signal is turned off. The microwave ablation system may be configured as a modular system having one or more thermometry network modules that are connectable between a microwave applicator and a microwave generator. Alternatively, the modular system includes a microwave generator, a microwave applicator, and a microwave cable that incorporate a microwave thermometry network module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph D. Brannan
  • Publication number: 20130272339
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for characterizing biological tissues through their thermal signatures that include directing microwave energy into a biological tissue using a first slot antenna, detecting microwave radiation emitted by the biological tissue using a second slot antenna, generating output signals corresponding to the microwave radiation, processing the output signals to characterize a temperature of the biological tissue as a function of time to yield temperature characteristics, and characterizing a biological function of the biological tissue based on the temperature characteristics. The first and second slot antennas can be defined using a dual mode antenna and the generating can include alternatively collecting signals from the second slot antenna through a first low noise amplifier (LNA) and a reference load through a second LNA that the two LNAs are substantially identical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventor: Mohammad-Reza Tofighi
  • Patent number: 8545094
    Abstract: The invention exposes rock fragments of a material to electromagnetic radiation, such as microwave radiation, and detects the thermal response of the material of the rock fragments during or immediately after exposure to detect a mineral within the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Technologies Resource Pty Limited
    Inventor: Nenad Djordjevic
  • Patent number: 8485722
    Abstract: According to certain embodiments, a temperature measurement system includes a radiometer coupled to an antenna and a signal processor. The radiometer is operable to generate two or more signals representing electro-magnetic radiation received at a corresponding two or more differing frequencies. The signal processor receives the two or more signals from the radiometer while the antenna is placed adjacent to a surface of a substrate, and compares the two or more signals with one another to determine a brightness temperature of the substrate at a depth of the substrate from the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Robert S. Roeder, Thomas M. Weller, Paul A. Herzig
  • Patent number: 8447385
    Abstract: A microwave handheld radiometer for measuring subsurface tissue temperature of a subject includes a microwave antenna disposed relative to a handheld radiometer housing and adapted to electromagnetically couple to a skin surface of a subject, a circulator having a first circulator input and a second circulator input, wherein the first circulator input is electrically coupled to said antenna via a microwave feedline. A switch is electrically disposed between the antenna and an microwave feedline, said switch having a calibrate state and a measure state. A noise source, electrically coupled to the circulator, is being configured to provide a first source of thermal noise at a first temperature and a second source of thermal noise at a second temperature, wherein the noise source is switched between the first source and second source upon external command wherein a detector provides an output wherein surface temperature effects are corrected for the sub-surface measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Sterzer, Daniel D. Mawhinney, Laleh Rabieirad, David E. Quinn, John A. Lane, Matthew D. Mullin, Charles N. Stewart
  • Patent number: 8303172
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and devices for monitoring e.g., fatigue levels by measuring a subject's body core temperature. In one embodiment, microwave radiometry is used to measure such core temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventors: Paul Zei, Bryant Lin, Robert C. Allison, Kenneth Carr
  • Patent number: 8197125
    Abstract: A method of analyzing metal oxides. In this method, metal oxide is provided, heated with microwaves, and a conductivity parameter of the metal oxide is determined. From the conductivity parameter, a determination is made regarding a pyroelectric effect of the metal oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Playtex Products, LLC
    Inventors: Laura A. Spaulding, Alissa R. Frontauria, Patricia L. Scott
  • Patent number: 8123399
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the National Institute of Standards and Technology
    Inventors: Michael R Moldover, Dean Ripple, Gregory Strouse
  • Patent number: 8100581
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to a method of determining the presence of a mineral within a material, such as a rock, a rock fragment, soil, sand or other geological material including: applying pulsed microwave radiation to the material; detecting radiation emitted from the material after the application of the pulsed microwave radiation; and analysing the detected radiation to determine the presence of mineral within the material. The invention also provides a method of sorting rock fragments into at least two streams using this method and an apparatus for carrying out the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: The University of Queensland
    Inventor: Nenad Djordjevic
  • Patent number: 8062228
    Abstract: Apparatus for detecting thermal radiation emanating from two different intracranial depths in a patient includes a dual-mode transducer having a working surface for placement against a patient's cranium. The transducer includes a first antenna with an aperture adjacent the working surface that first antenna being tuned to a first frequency and producing a first output signal indicative of thermal radiation received within an antenna pattern extending a selected first distance from the working surface and a second antenna having a second aperture adjacent to the working surface within the first aperture. The second antenna is tuned to a second frequency and produces a second output signal indicative of thermal radiation received within an antenna pattern extending a selected second distance from the working surface, the second distance being shorter than the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Meridian Medical Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Carr
  • Patent number: 7997790
    Abstract: An instrument and associated method are disclosed for the loss-on-drying determination of the volatile content of a wide variety of samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: Robert N. Revesz, Michael J. Collins, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20110176578
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and devices for monitoring e.g., fatigue levels by measuring a subject's body core temperature. In one embodiment, microwave radiometry is used to measure such core temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Paul Zei, Bryant Lin, Robert C. Allison, Kenneth Carr
  • Patent number: 7734330
    Abstract: The present technique utilizes microwave radiometry to detect the presence of vulnerable plaques engrained in the wall of a blood vessel. In accordance with the technique, an intravascular catheter containing at least one microwave antenna is moved along the suspect vessel. The antenna, in combination with an external microwave detection and display unit, is able to detect and display thermal anomalies due to the difference in the thermal emissivity (brightness) of vulnerable plaques as compared to normal tissue even though the two may have a common temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Meridian Medical Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Carr
  • Patent number: 7705582
    Abstract: A power sensor includes a substrate, an aperture within the substrate, a membrane formed over at least a portion of the substrate and extending over the aperture, and an electro-thermal transducer partially supported by the insulating membrane. The electro-thermal transducer includes an impedance matched, bifurcated load supported over the aperture by the insulating membrane, and a thermopile extending over the aperture and supported by the insulating membrane, the thermopile being adapted to generate a voltage in response to heat generated in the impedance matched, bifurcated load. A signal conductor is electrically connected with one end of the impedance matched, bifurcated load to guide electromagnetic signals to the load, and a conductive under-layer stratified from the signal conductor by an intermediary dielectric is connected with an opposite end of the impedance matched, bifurcated load to act as a ground plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Anritsu Company
    Inventor: Karam Michael Noujeim
  • Patent number: 7701222
    Abstract: A method for testing a printed circuit board to determining the dielectric loss associated with the circuit board material relative to a standard. Dielectric losses in the material generate heat when a high frequency electronic signal, such as a microwave frequency signal, is communicated through a microstrip that is embedded within the printed circuit board. The temperature or spectrum at the surface of printed circuit board is measured and compared against the temperature or spectrum of the standard to determine whether the material under test is acceptable. While various temperature measurement devices may be used, the temperature is preferably measured without contacting the surface, such as using an infrared radiation probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Moises Cases, Bradley Donald Herrman, Kent Barclay Howieson, Erdem Matoglu, Bhyrav Murthy Mutnury, Pravin Patel, Nam Huu Pham, Caleb James Wesley
  • Publication number: 20100079282
    Abstract: A passive microwave receiver, receiving a WARC protected frequency of 1420 MHz may be used for fire, temperature speed detection and intrusion detection. One or more receiver arrays can be used to provide a plurality of frequency ranges that can be detected. In an interior installation, one or more receiver arrays can be placed inside a wall made of non-metallic substance and capable of passively receiving frequencies at less than 3 GHz. In other embodiments, the receiver and array can be in the form of a hand-held or wearable device. This method and apparatus achieves high performance by exploiting conventional low noise amplification block conversion circuits and provides the detection of thermal signals through clear, smoky, misty, or environmentally untenable conditions as well as the detection of automobiles and intruders via black box emission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: David J. Icove, Carl T. Lyster
  • Patent number: 7670045
    Abstract: A power sensor having a microstrip transmission line, comprising: a dielectric substrate; a strip conductor disposed on one surface of the substrate; and a ground plane conductor disposed on an opposite surface of the substrate. The power sensor includes a plurality of thermocouples extending from the strip conductor, proximal end portions of the thermocouples being thermally coupled to the strip conductor. A plurality of electrical conductors is provided, each one having a first end electrically connected to a distal end of a corresponding one of the thermocouples and a second end electrically connected to the proximate end of one of the plurality of thermocouples disposed adjacent to such corresponding one of the thermocouples. The proximal ends of the thermocouples are electrically insulated one from the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Katherine J. Herrick, John P. Bettencourt, Alan J. Bielunis
  • Patent number: 7637656
    Abstract: A temperature measurement technique for calculating a temperature in a high temperature environment by monitoring a change in resonant frequency of a resonant structure loaded with a dielectric material. A response curve for a reflection coefficient S11 associated with the resonant structure is generated, typically by the use of a network analyzer connected to the resonant structure via a cable. A minimum point for the response curve is identified to detect the resonant frequency for the resonant structure. A calibration map is applied to the minimum point to identify a temperature associated with the resonant frequency of the resonant structure. The temperature associated with the resonant frequency of the resonant structure represents the temperature of the high temperature environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Radatec, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Billington, Jonathan Geisheimer, Thomas Holst
  • Publication number: 20090252196
    Abstract: A passive microwave receiver array, operating in the one meter to sub-millimeter wavelengths range and including an internationally protected range of frequencies of varying bandwidth, may be used for fire and intrusion detection. One or more receiver arrays can be used to provide a plurality of frequency ranges that can be detected. In an interior installation, one or more receiver arrays can be placed inside a wall made of non-metallic substance and capable of passively receiving frequencies at less than 3 GHz. In other embodiments, the receiver and array can be in the form of a hand-held or wearable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: David J. Icove, Carl T. Lyster
  • Patent number: 7581876
    Abstract: An instrument and associated method are disclosed for the loss-on-drying determination of the volatile content of a wide variety of samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: Robert N. Revesz, Michael J. Collins, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7197356
    Abstract: Microwave detection apparatus includes an intravascular catheter containing inner and outer conductors, the distal ends of the conductors forming an antenna at a distal end of the catheter. A gap is provided in the inner conductor near the antenna thereby forming spaced-apart opposing proximal and distal inner conductor segments between which is connected an electrical circuit. That circuit includes a temperature reference and a Dicke-switch switchable in response to a switching signal between a first condition wherein the switch connects the proximal inner conductor segment to the temperature reference thereby delivering a temperature reference signal from the temperature reference to the proximal ends of the conductors and a second condition wherein the switch connects the proximal inner conductor segment to the distal inner conductor segment thereby delivering an antenna signal from the antenna to the proximal ends of the conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Meridian Medical Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Carr
  • Patent number: 7121719
    Abstract: A radio-thermometer system, and a method for measuring electromagnetic energy radiated from an interior of a human body, includes an antenna for receiving thermal energy radiated from a target object having a temperature to be measured, first and second noise sources, which are maintained at different temperatures in order to obtain a reflection coefficient of an interface between the antenna and the target object, a first switch for periodically switching between outputting the first or second noise source, a circulator for adding a signal received by the antenna to a reflective wave output from the first switch, and for transmitting an addition result, third and fourth noise sources, which are maintained at different temperatures, a second switch for periodically switching between outputting an output of the third noise source, the circulator, and the fourth noise source, and an amplifier for amplifying an output of the second switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Nizhny Novgorod Microwave Research Institute, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeonghwan Lee, V.A. Rassadovsky, S.N. Kleshnin, I.F. Belov, V.I. Tereschenkov, O.P. Sobolev, T.N. Aleshina, V.A. Obolensky
  • Patent number: 7059765
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the temperature of an object. The apparatus includes a device for establishing a standing wave pattern or radiation emanating from the object and a coupling device for coupling the radiation to a detector, such as a measuring radiometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: The University Court of the University of Glasgow
    Inventor: David Victor Land
  • Patent number: 7052176
    Abstract: A system and method for remotely measuring the temperature of an object using microwave radiometry that may be used in hostile environments. A single pole-single throw reflective PIN diode switch is operable in a PASS mode and a BLOCK mode. In the PASS mode, the switch passes the power received from the object to a low-noise block converter (“LNB”) for amplification. In the BLOCK mode, the switch blocks the object power and reflects the load noise power of an ambient temperature load to the LNB. A detector diode detects the amplified power output during both the BLOCK and PASS mode and the AC signal from the detector is converted to an output signal proportional to the difference in the noise powers detected in the PASS and BLOCK modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignees: University of Texas System, Texas State University
    Inventors: Karl David Stephan, John Anthony Pearce
  • Patent number: 6964514
    Abstract: An improved apparatus for measuring the temperature of an object such as a food object. Also, a related method, container, transportation member and production line which utilizes this apparatus. The apparatus includes a coupling device for coupling radiation emanating from the object to at least a first radiation temperature measuring radiometer, and a first device for switching measurement circuitry between measuring the radiation temperature of at least a first reference temperature and the radiation temperature of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: The University Court of the University of Glasgow
    Inventor: David Victor Land
  • Patent number: 6932776
    Abstract: Apparatus for detecting vulnerable plaques embedded in the wall of a patient's blood vessel includes an intravascular catheter containing a microwave antenna, an extra-corporeal radiometer having a signal input, a reference input and an output, a cable for electrically connecting the antenna to the signal input, and a device for applying an indication of the patient's normal tissue temperature to the reference input so that when the catheter is moved along the vessel, the locations of the vulnerable plaques are reflected in a signal from the output as thermal anomalies due to the higher emissivity of the vulnerable plaques as compared to the normal tissue. A second embodiment of the apparatus has two coaxial antennas in the catheter serving two radiometers. One measures the temperature at locations in the vessel wall, the other measures the temperature at the surface. By subtracting the two signals, the locations of vulnerable plaque may be visualized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Meridian MedicalSSystems, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Carr
  • Patent number: 6834991
    Abstract: Apparatus and a method for radiometric temperature measurement comprises a radiometer receiver coupled to an antenna/calibration switch that has coupled thereto a brightness temperature signal. A driver coupled to the antenna/calibration switch controls the operation of the switch between an antenna mode and a calibration mode. An adjustable cold/warm noise source is coupled to the antenna/calibration switch to provide a calibration radiation temperature applied through the antenna/calibration switch in the calibration mode to the radiometer receiver. An output of the radiometer receiver is coupled to the adjustable cold/warm noise source and is adjusted in accordance with the output of the radiometer receiver for a null comparison measurement. Also coupled between the output of the radiometer receiver and the antenna/calibration switch is a mode selector switch that operates to a mode one position to couple the output of the radiometer receiver to the adjustable cold/warm noise source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Robert S. Roeder
  • Patent number: 6773159
    Abstract: A non-invasive apparatus and method for measuring a temperature of a portion of a living body, includes a signal receiving unit receiving electromagnetic wave signals emitted from the portion of a living body to be measured, a signal processing unit processing the electromagnetic signals input from the signal receiving unit and outputting a radiation power signal, a medium characteristic measurement unit measuring a value of a conductivity or a permittivity of the portion of the living body to be measured and outputting the measured value, and a temperature conversion unit including a computer database storing a plurality of temperature conversion tables with respect to radiation power according to the conductivity or the permittivity of the portion of the living body and determining a corresponding temperature using the measured value of the conductivity or the permittivity of the portion of the living body and the radiation power signal of the signal processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae-woo Kim, Sang-min Lee, Jeong-whan Lee, Sang-jin Eom, Wan-taek Han
  • Patent number: 6767129
    Abstract: A microwave power sensor and a method for manufacturing the same. The microwave power sensor includes a semiconductor substrate with a nitride or oxide film formed thereon. A membrane which is a portion of the nitride or oxide film is floated by removing a portion of the semiconductor substrate. First and second thermocouple groups are formed to be symmetrically spaced apart from each other on the membrane. An RF input end is formed on the nitride or oxide film. A heating resistor is formed on the membrane to be connected with the RF input end. First and second ground plates are formed on the nitride or oxide film at both sides of the RF input end. A third ground plate is formed on the nitride or oxide film to be connected with the heating resistor and electrically connected with the first and second ground plates. The first and second output terminals are formed on the semiconductor substrate to be connected with the first and second thermocouple groups, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Korea Electronics Technology Institute
    Inventors: Dae Sung Lee, Kyung Il Lee, Hak In Hwang
  • Patent number: 6755031
    Abstract: Disclosed are an infrared sensor assembly and a refrigerator having the infrared sensor, in which a location where a heat source is generated is precisely detected by narrowing a receiving angle of an infrared sensor. To this end, the infrared sensor assembly comprises: an infrared sensor fixed to a supporting frame for receiving infrared rays generated at a heat source; a case having the infrared sensor mounted therein and an infrared filter mounted at an upper surface thereof, the infrared filter transmits only the infrared rays; and a receiving range limiting means prolonged from an outer circumference surface of the case with a predetermined height for limiting a range of the infrared rays received into the infrared sensor so as to precisely detect a location of the heat source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seong-Ho Cho, In-Seop Lee, In-Won Lee, Jae-Yong Sung, Jay-Ho Choi, Kwang-Hyup An, Jeong-Ho Lee, Young-Sok Nam
  • Patent number: 6729756
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a total-power microwave radiometer for a satellite uses a cold calibration source, a hot calibration source and a receiver. The method has the steps of measuring with the receiver the brightness temperatures of the hot calibration source having a temperature of Thot1, the hot calibration source having a temperature of Thot2 where Thot1 and Thot2 are different temperatures, and the cold calibration source, calculating for these measured values the standard deviation &Dgr;Thot1, &Dgr;Thot2 and &Dgr;Tcold, and calibrating the total-power microwave radiometer for a satellite by defining the brightness temperature of the cold calibration source as: Tcold=[(&Dgr;Thot1−&Dgr;Tcold)Thot2−(&Dgr;Thot2−&Dgr;Tcold)Thot1]/(&Dgr;Thot1−&Dgr;Thot2). The method makes it possible to calibrate the colder part of the total-power microwave radiometer for a satellite frequently and accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
    Inventor: Toshihiro Sezai
  • Patent number: 6719068
    Abstract: Geological probing device comprising a hollow probing rod to be extended into the geological matter to be probed, and a measuring probe fitted to the probing rod, said measuring probe comprising sensors for obtaining information about the matter. The measuring probe further comprises a microwave transmitter, arranged to transmit microwaves carrying data from said sensors, said hollow probing rod being adapted to act as a waveguide, guiding the microwaves to an upper orifice of said hollow probing rod. Compared to previously known techniques, the device according to the invention offers a reliable transmission of data under normal working conditions, and without substantive modifications of the probing rod or other equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Ingenjorsfirman Geotech AB
    Inventor: Lennart Jönsson
  • Publication number: 20040057495
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a microwave power sensor and a method for manufacturing the same. The microwave power sensor comprises a semiconductor substrate with a nitride or oxide film formed thereon; a membrane which is a portion of the nitride or oxide film floated by removing a portion of the semiconductor substrate; first and second thermocouple groups formed to be symmetrically spaced apart from each other on the membrane; an RF input end formed on the nitride or oxide film; a heating resistor formed on the membrane to be connected with the RF input end; first and second ground plates formed on the nitride or oxide film at both sides of the RF input end; a third ground plate formed on the nitride or oxide film to be connected with the heating resistor and electrically connected with the first and second ground plates; and first and second output terminals formed on the semiconductor substrate to be connected with the first and second thermocouple groups, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: KOREA ELECTONICS TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Dae Sung Lee, Kyung Il Lee, Hak In Hwang
  • Publication number: 20030235234
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a total-power microwave radiometer for a satellite uses a cold calibration source, a hot calibration source and a receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: Toshihiro Sezai
  • Publication number: 20030179808
    Abstract: A non-invasive apparatus and method for measuring a temperature of a portion of a living body, includes a signal receiving unit receiving electromagnetic wave signals emitted from the portion of a living body to be measured, a signal processing unit processing the electromagnetic signals input from the signal receiving unit and outputting a radiation power signal, a medium characteristic measurement unit measuring a value of a conductivity or a permittivity of the portion of the living body to be measured and outputting the measured value, and a temperature conversion unit including a computer database storing a plurality of temperature conversion tables with respect to radiation power according to the conductivity or the permittivity of the portion of the living body and determining a corresponding temperature using the measured value of the conductivity or the permittivity of the portion of the living body and the radiation power signal of the signal processing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Tae-woo Kim, Sang-min Lee, Jeong-whan Lee, Sang-jin Eom, Wan-taek Han
  • Patent number: 6543933
    Abstract: A microwave thermography apparatus to measure temperatures within a dielectric body comprises a partial ellipsoidal cavity with an electrical conductive surface wherein the body can be located at one focus of the cavity. A microwave antenna located at a second focus of the cavity is connected to a radiometer. That radiometer amplifies and filters signals from the antenna before they are applied to a detector with the temperature of the body being determined from the voltage amplitude of the detected signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen as represented by the Minister of National Defence of Her Majesty's Canadian Government
    Inventors: Stergios Stergiopoulos, Nikolaos Uzunoglu
  • Publication number: 20020126731
    Abstract: A microwave thermography apparatus to measure temperatures within a dielectric body comprises a partial ellipsoidal cavity with an electrical conductive surface wherein the body can be located at one focus of the cavity. A microwave antenna located at a second focus of the cavity is connected to a radiometer. That radiometer amplifies and filters signals from the antenna before they are applied to a detector with the temperature of the body being determined from the voltage amplitude of the detected signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Stergios Stergiopoulos, Nikolaos Uzunoglu
  • Patent number: 5829877
    Abstract: A measuring technique and method are provided to simultaneously determine the molecular density of several molecular species and the temperature within a closed process room in a melting or combustion process. In such processes in the industry, e.g. in metallurgic process industry, it is important to determine the temperature and the contents within the gas or flame without physically connect to or disturb the process. This has shown to raise large problems especially at high temperatures. The radio signal over a frequency band is measured on the outside of the process room through a window in the mantel covering as a function of frequency and registered on a computer as a radio spectrum. The system is calibrated by using a known signal transmitted through the process room. The spectral lines are identified by their frequency from a database. The temperature is determined from several lines of the same molecular specie and the molecular densities are determined from the intensities of the lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Lars B. B.ang..ang.th
  • Patent number: 5785426
    Abstract: Pyrometer with a probe beam superimposed on its field-of-view for furnace temperature measurements. The pyrometer includes a heterodyne millimeter/sub-millimeter-wave or microwave receiver including a millimeter/sub-millimeter-wave or microwave source for probing. The receiver is adapted to receive radiation from a surface whose temperature is to be measured. The radiation includes a surface emission portion and a surface reflection portion which includes the probe beam energy reflected from the surface. The surface emission portion is related to the surface temperature and the surface reflection portion is related to the emissivity of the surface. The simultaneous measurement of surface emissivity serves as a real time calibration of the temperature measurement. In an alternative embodiment, a translatable base plate and a visible laser beam allow slow mapping out of interference patterns and obtaining peak values therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Paul P. Woskov, Daniel R. Cohn, Charles H. Titus, Jeffrey E. Surma
  • Patent number: 5688050
    Abstract: Disclosed are four improvements in temperature-measuring radiometric equipment. The first improvement is directed to increasing the sensitivity of a radiometer by employing microwave noise power derived from a reference noise source in an amount that corresponds to a temperature higher than that of the specimen, and applying the reference-noise-source-derived microwave noise power as an input to the radiometer for a shorter time than is microwave noise power derived from a specimen. The second improvement is directed to reducing emissivity error by employing open-loop means comprising a microwave circulator for applying microwave noise power generated by at least one resistor thermostatically heated to a temperature in the neighborhood of the temperature of a patient's body tissue back to the body tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: MMTC, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Sterzer, Daniel D. Mawhinney