Microwave ice accretion meter
First Claim
1. An ice detector and thickness measurement system comprising:
- a controlled oscillator,a shorted surface waveguide coupled to said controlled oscillator at a feed point with a short located a fixed distance from said feed point,means to mount said waveguide in a location subject to ice accretion,detector means coupled to said surface wave guide at a point displaced from said feed point and responsive to electrical energy incident at said detector means for indicating electrical energy incident thereon,measurement means coupled to said controlled oscillator for indicating frequency deviation of said controlled oscillator from a predetermined frequency, andcontrol means to control a frequency of oscillation of said controlled oscillator,whereby ice thickness is detected by noting said frequency deviation of said measurement means when said control means controls said frequency of oscillation to produce a maximum detected energy at said detector means.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system for indicating ice thickness and rate of ice thickness growth on surfaces is disclosed. The region to be monitored for ice accretion is provided with a resonant surface waveguide which is mounted flush, below the surface being monitored. A controlled oscillator provides microwave energy via a feed point at a controllable frequency. A detector is coupled to the surface waveguide and is responsive to electrical energy. A measuring device indicates the frequency deviation of the controlled oscillator from a quiescent frequency. A control means is provided to control the frequency of oscillation of the controlled oscillator. In a first, open-loop embodiment, the control means is a shaft operated by an operator. In a second, closed-loop embodiment, the control means is a processor which effects automatic control.
29 Citations
8 Claims
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1. An ice detector and thickness measurement system comprising:
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a controlled oscillator, a shorted surface waveguide coupled to said controlled oscillator at a feed point with a short located a fixed distance from said feed point, means to mount said waveguide in a location subject to ice accretion, detector means coupled to said surface wave guide at a point displaced from said feed point and responsive to electrical energy incident at said detector means for indicating electrical energy incident thereon, measurement means coupled to said controlled oscillator for indicating frequency deviation of said controlled oscillator from a predetermined frequency, and control means to control a frequency of oscillation of said controlled oscillator, whereby ice thickness is detected by noting said frequency deviation of said measurement means when said control means controls said frequency of oscillation to produce a maximum detected energy at said detector means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification