US4106340A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Grading agricultural products with a microwave antenna
Assignee: Department of National Defence
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Filing: 1976-10-01
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Granted: 1978-08-15
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Expires: 1996-10-01
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for continuous and contactless grading and counting in which the articles or products to be surveyed are passed beneath a microwave radiometer antenna on a conveyor belt or the like, so as to measure the frequency spectrum of the radiation temperature emitted by the articles at a convenient temperature and relating the "signature" thus obtained to a non-electrical parameter such as weight or size.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael A. Hamid
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 09:39
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N22/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
133 words
A method for contactless grading a plurality of objects, comprising: (a) scanning a selected said object with a microwave radiometric antenna means at a series of frequencies in the range 12-18 GHz and measuring radiometric output intensity from said object to thereby establish an optimum frequency corresponding to maximum radiometric output; (b) sequentially bringing a plurality of said objects into close proximity with said antenna means and effecting relative movement therebetween so as to scan each of said objects; (c) measuring the radiometric output intensity for each said object at said optimum frequency to thereby establish a signature for each said object; and (d) relating said signatures to a preselected non-electric parameter of said object whereby said objects may be graded by comparing their respective signatures to a standard established for that parameter.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
133 words
A method for contactless grading a plurality of objects, comprising: (a) scanning a selected said object with a microwave radiometric antenna means at a series of frequencies in the range 12-18 GHz and measuring radiometric output intensity from said object to thereby establish an optimum frequency corresponding to maximum radiometric output; (b) sequentially bringing a plurality of said objects into close proximity with said antenna means and effecting relative movement therebetween so as to scan each of said objects; (c) measuring the radiometric output intensity for each said object at said optimum frequency to thereby establish a signature for each said object; and (d) relating said signatures to a preselected non-electric parameter of said object whereby said objects may be graded by comparing their respective signatures to a standard established for that parameter.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said objects are selected from similarly sized agricultural products and similarly sized manufactured products.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said objects are carried on a continuously moving conveyor means in spaced relationship to said antenna means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said objects are scanned at room temperature.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
94 words
Apparatus for use in contactless grading a plurality of objects comprising: (a) a microwave radiometer having antenna means for sequential scanning of each said object; (b) means to convey said objects into close proximity with said antenna means for scanning thereby; (c) means to measure radiation intensity, at a selected frequency in the range 12-18 GHz, of the radiation emission of said objects, which defines a signature for each said object whereby objects may be graded by comparison of their respective signatures to a standard co-related to a non-electrical preselected parameter of said objects.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
94 words
Apparatus for use in contactless grading a plurality of objects comprising: (a) a microwave radiometer having antenna means for sequential scanning of each said object; (b) means to convey said objects into close proximity with said antenna means for scanning thereby; (c) means to measure radiation intensity, at a selected frequency in the range 12-18 GHz, of the radiation emission of said objects, which defines a signature for each said object whereby objects may be graded by comparison of their respective signatures to a standard co-related to a non-electrical preselected parameter of said objects.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-08-14 | 1982-02-13 | 1982-08-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-08-14 | 1986-02-13 | 1986-08-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-08-14 | 1990-02-13 | 1990-08-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |