Electromagnetic noncontacting measuring apparatus
AssigneeNear Field Technology Co.
InventorTex N. Yukl
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A noncontacting apparatus and method for following the changes in impedance of a substance located within a specified investigation zone. A bidirectionally focused electromagnetic beam, having a pair of foci, is aimed with one of its foci located adjacent such a zone. A receiver located adjacent the other one of its foci is monitored for electrical changes therein, and such changes are interpreted as indications of impedance changes in the selected zone.
Claims8
Noncontacting apparatus for following an electrical characteristic of a substance located at a selected interrogation site, said apparatus comprising
- a source for producing electromagnetic energy,
- bidirectional, focusing, energy-directing means coupled to said source for bidirectionally directing energy produced thereby toward a pair of spaced foci, one of which is positioned adjacent said interrogation site, and
- monitoring means including sensor means located adjacent the other one of said foci for monitoring changes in electrical conditions occurring adjacent said other one of said foci.
Noncontacting apparatus for following the impedance of a substance located at a selected interrogation site, said apparatus comprising
- a source for producing electromagnetic energy having a predetermined wavelength,
- a bidirectional focusing antenna coupled to said source for directing energy produced thereby toward a pair of spaced foci located symmetrically with respect to, and toward opposite sides of, said antenna, said foci being spaced by a distance substantially equalling one-half of said predetermined wavelength, with one of the foci being located adjacent said interrogation site,
- receiving means positioned adjacent the location of the other one of said foci, adapted to receive energy directed theretoward by said antenna, and
- means operatively connected to said receiving means for observing electrical conditions therein resulting from its receipt of energy from said antenna.
A noncontacting method of following an electrical characteristic of a substance located at a preselected interrogation site, said method comprising
- generating a bidirectionally focused beam of electromagnetic energy, with such beam having a pair of spaced foci wherein an electrical change occurring at one effects a related electrical change at the other,
- orienting such a beam so as to place one of its foci adjacent the location of said preselected interrogation site, and
- with the beam so oriented, monitoring electrical conditions adjacent the location of the other one of its foci.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.