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Microwave sensor for identifying the surface properties of a workpiece and associated method

  • US 5,497,098 A
  • Filed: 11/10/1994
  • Issued: 03/05/1996
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/10/1994
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A sensor for identifying the surface properties of a workpiece, the sensor comprising:

  • a microwave generator for producing microwave signals at a predetermined frequency;

    microstrip sensing means, electrically coupled to said microwave generator, for supporting propagation of the microwave signals produced by said microwave generator from a first end portion toward a second end portion and for transmitting at least a portion of the propagating microwave signals to the workpiece such that the workpiece can influence the strength of the transmitted microwave signals, the second end portion being spaced apart from and electrically connected to the first end portion;

    detector means, electrically coupled to the second end portion of said microstrip sensing means, for detecting the propagating microwave signals at the second end of the microstrip sensing means; and

    surface properties determining means, responsive to said detector means, for determining the surface properties of the workpiece based upon the strength of the detected microwave signals such that workpieces comprised of a conductive material, an insulative material and a conductive material coated with a radar absorbing material can be distinguished.

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