US3836846A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ice detection apparatus employing microwave reflectance
Assignee: Monsanto Co
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Filing: 1971-09-09
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Granted: 1974-09-17
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Expires: 1991-09-09
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus and method for detecting the presence of ice or water on a road or other surface by means of reflected microwaves wherein microwave energy is directed through a window installed in the surface to be monitored and the condition of the surface is indicated by the level of microwave energy reflected.
Inventors
- 👤 W Overall
- 👤 Koning J De
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 12:37
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08B; G08B19/00; G08B19/02; F; F25; F25D; F25D21/00; F25D21/02; G01; G01N; G01N22/00; G01W; G01W1/00; G01W1/14; F25B; F25B2700/00; F25B2700/11; F25B2700/111
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
146 words
A system for detecting the presence of ice on a surface comprising in combination A. a microwave generator adapted to produce signal energy, B. a window in said surface substantially transparent to said signal energy, C. heating means cooperating with said window and adapted to heat said window above about 32*F., D. means for monitoring the temperature of said window in response to the action of said heating means, E. guide means adapted to convey said signal energy from said generator to said window, F. isolator means in said guide means intermediate said window and said generator, and G. reflected power detector means adapted to detect the difference between the signal energy reflected from said window at ambient temperature and that reflected from said window when heated to above about 32*F., a significant difference in reflected energy indicating that ice was initially present on said surface.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
146 words
A system for detecting the presence of ice on a surface comprising in combination A. a microwave generator adapted to produce signal energy, B. a window in said surface substantially transparent to said signal energy, C. heating means cooperating with said window and adapted to heat said window above about 32*F., D. means for monitoring the temperature of said window in response to the action of said heating means, E. guide means adapted to convey said signal energy from said generator to said window, F. isolator means in said guide means intermediate said window and said generator, and G. reflected power detector means adapted to detect the difference between the signal energy reflected from said window at ambient temperature and that reflected from said window when heated to above about 32*F., a significant difference in reflected energy indicating that ice was initially present on said surface.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
76 words
A method for determining the presence of ice on a surface which comprises directing microwave signal energy through a window in said surface, heating said window to above about 32*F., monitoring the window temperature during the heating step, detecting the signal energy reflected from said window at ambient temperature and that reflected from said window when heated to above about 32*F., a significant difference in reflected energy indicating that ice was initially present on said surface.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
76 words
A method for determining the presence of ice on a surface which comprises directing microwave signal energy through a window in said surface, heating said window to above about 32*F., monitoring the window temperature during the heating step, detecting the signal energy reflected from said window at ambient temperature and that reflected from said window when heated to above about 32*F., a significant difference in reflected energy indicating that ice was initially present on said surface.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3233172A
Cited
FR1356048A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-09-16 | 1978-03-18 | 1978-09-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-09-16 | 1982-03-18 | 1982-09-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-09-16 | 1986-03-18 | 1986-09-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |