US4845422A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Microwave proximity sensor
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1986-12-24
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Granted: 1989-07-04
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Expires: 2006-12-24
Abstract
Abstract The invention relates to a type of proximity sensor. In one form, two sinusoidal signals travel along two transmission lines near an object. When the distance between one or both of the lines and the object changes, the speed of travel of one or both of the signals changes. There is a correlation between the speed change and the distance, thus allowing one to infer distance from speed change. One way to measure the speed change is to measure the phase relationship between the two signals.
Inventors
- 👤 Edward K. Damon
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 17:34
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01P; H01P5/00; H01P5/12; H01P5/16; H01P5/18; H01P5/184; H01P5/185; G; G01; G01B; G01B15/00; G01N; G01N22/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
72 words
A sensor for use in a system for measuring distance, comprising: (a) a transmission line including at least two conductive strips, each of which carries a signal, with at least one ground plane near the strips; and (b) a discontinuity in the ground phane for allowing the phase of the signal in at least one of the strips to be altered by a change in a dielectric medium nearby the transmission line.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
72 words
A sensor for use in a system for measuring distance, comprising: (a) a transmission line including at least two conductive strips, each of which carries a signal, with at least one ground plane near the strips; and (b) a discontinuity in the ground phane for allowing the phase of the signal in at least one of the strips to be altered by a change in a dielectric medium nearby the transmission line.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising: sensing means for sensing the change in phase for indicating distance to the object.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
119 words
A sensor for use in a system which provides a signal indicative of distance between the sensor and an object comprising: (a) first and second conductors (70A) for carrying respective first and second signals having a relative propagation velocity which can be changed by the presence of a nearby object; (b) first splitter means (15) for applying first and second input signals to the first and second conductors, respectively, with a predetermined, non-zero, phase difference between the signals; and (c) second splitter means (42) for receiving the first and second input signals from the first and second conductors and for combining the first and second signals into an output signals containing information as to distance to the nearby object.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
119 words
A sensor for use in a system which provides a signal indicative of distance between the sensor and an object comprising: (a) first and second conductors (70A) for carrying respective first and second signals having a relative propagation velocity which can be changed by the presence of a nearby object; (b) first splitter means (15) for applying first and second input signals to the first and second conductors, respectively, with a predetermined, non-zero, phase difference between the signals; and (c) second splitter means (42) for receiving the first and second input signals from the first and second conductors and for combining the first and second signals into an output signals containing information as to distance to the nearby object.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-07-03 | 1993-01-02 | 1993-07-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-07-03 | 1997-01-02 | 1997-07-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-07-03 | 2001-01-02 | 2001-07-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |