Radio frequency state variable measurement system and method
Inventors
Sappok, Alexander • Ragaller, Paul • Bromberg, Leslie
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11543365-B2
Publication Date
2023-01-03
Expiration Date
Abstract
A measurement system and method of conducting cavity resonance and waveguide measurements is disclosed. The cavity or waveguide may be used to monitor the amount, composition, or distribution of a material or sample contained in the cavity or waveguide or passing through the cavity or waveguide. Improved means for operating the measurement system to reduce measurement variability, improve measurement accuracy, and decrease measurement response times are described. The invention's broad applications range from measurements of filters, catalysts, pipe, and ducts where the material collected in or passing through the cavity or waveguide exhibits dielectric properties different from the material which it displaces.
Core Innovation
A radio frequency measurement system is provided to determine at least one characteristic of a sample based on received radio frequency signals. The system includes a sample conditioning system configured to control conditions of the sample, and first and second sensors disposed upstream and downstream of the sample conditioning system to provide information that supports determining the characteristic under controlled conditions.
The system further includes a cavity in communication with the sample conditioning system and disposed downstream of the sample conditioning system. At least one radio frequency probe transmits and receives radio frequency signals through the cavity containing the sample, and a control unit determines at least one characteristic of the sample based on the received signals under the controlled conditions.
Another radio frequency measurement system uses a sample cavity and a measurement cavity separated by a movable filter element. The movable filter element passes between the sample cavity and the measurement cavity, while at least one radio frequency probe transmits and receives radio frequency signals through the measurement cavity, and a control unit determines at least one characteristic of the sample based on the received radio frequency signals.
Claims Coverage
The disclosed portion includes two independent claims, each defining a radio frequency measurement system architecture. The inventive features focus on conditioned sample sensing before cavity-based radio frequency measurement, and on a movable filter element between a sample cavity and a measurement cavity for radio frequency probing and determination by a control unit.
Conditioned sample with upstream and downstream sensors feeding cavity RF probing
A radio frequency measurement system includes a sample conditioning system designed to control conditions of a sample, a first sensor disposed in an upstream conduit, and a second sensor disposed in a downstream conduit, with a cavity in communication with the sample conditioning system and disposed downstream of the conditioning system.
RF probe transmit/receive through downstream cavity to determine sample characteristic
The system includes at least one radio frequency probe configured to transmit and receive radio frequency signals through the cavity containing the sample, and a control unit configured to determine at least one characteristic of the sample based on the received radio frequency signals under the controlled conditions.
Movable filter element passing between sample cavity and measurement cavity
A radio frequency measurement system includes a sample cavity having a port for introducing a sample, a measurement cavity, and a movable filter element passing between the sample cavity and the measurement cavity.
RF probe transmit/receive through measurement cavity with control-unit determination
The system includes at least one radio frequency probe configured to transmit and receive radio frequency signals through the measurement cavity and a control unit configured to determine at least one characteristic of the sample based on the received radio frequency signals.
Across the two independent claims, the coverage is centered on determining sample characteristics from received radio frequency signals using a cavity-based radio frequency probe, with system structures that either condition the sample with upstream and downstream sensors before downstream cavity probing or interpose a movable filter element between a sample cavity and a measurement cavity before measurement-cavity radio frequency probing.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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