Directional coupler sensor
AssigneeThe Procter & Gamble Company
InventorsFaiz Feisal Sherman, Vladimir Gartstein, Kendal William Kerr, Herman William Meyer, Jim Allen McCurdy
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Abstract
A directional coupler sensor is provided for measuring the moisture content of a substrate, such as hair. The sensor incorporates a high frequency directional coupler having a pair of generally parallel plates defining a coupling gap therebetween. A high frequency signal generator generates an electromagnetic field across the gap with the substrate placed across the coupling gap. The coupled power relates to the moisture content of the substrate. A pressure sensor is provided to ensure that the desired compactness of the substrate across the coupling gap is achieved to obtain accurate, reliable and consistent results.
Claims37
A sensor for measuring moisture content of a substrate, comprising:
- a directional coupler having a pair of generally parallel first and second strips defining a coupling gap therebetween;
- and
- a high frequency signal generator electrically coupled to said first strip and operable to couple power to said second strip with the substrate placed across said coupling gap to thereby generate a coupled power signal in said second strip having an amplitude related to moisture content of the substrate.
A sensor for measuring health of hair, comprising:
- a directional coupler having a pair of generally parallel first and second strips defining a coupling gap therebetween;
- and
- a high frequency signal generator electrically coupled to said first strip and operable to couple power to said second strip with the hair placed across said coupling gap to thereby generate a coupled power signal in said second strip having an amplitude related to health of the hair.
A hair care appliance for use in grooming hair, comprising:
- an elongated body portion terminating in a handle;
- at least one hair styling member supported by said elongated body portion and operable to engage the hair to effect the grooming thereof;
- a directional coupler supported adjacent said hair styling member and having a pair of generally parallel first and second strips defining a coupling gap therebetween;
- and
- a high frequency signal generator electrically coupled to said first strip and operable to couple power to said second strip with the hair placed across said coupling gap to thereby generate a coupled power signal in said second strip having an amplitude related to health of the hair.
A method for measuring moisture content of a substrate, comprising:
- generating an electromagnetic field through the substrate;
- measuring the reactance of the substrate in response to the electromagnetic field;
- and
- determining the moisture content of the substrate from the measured reactance.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.