Apparatus and method for microwave imaging and excavation of objects
US6377872B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 2, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 23, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 2, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S13/885
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A microwave imaging excavator for the detection, imaging and excavation of objects on or buried beneath the surface of the ground, such as metallic and dielectric land mines. A continuous wave stepped frequency ground penetrating radar signal is transmitted into the ground from a waveguide antenna mounted in one spade of a double spade auger. Direct breakthrough energy, signals reflected from the surface and the buried objects are received by an identical waveguide antenna mounted in the opposite spade. The spectra reflected from different buried objects become more distinct when the spectrum radiated spans the natural electromagnetic resonance of those objects. These signals are recorded as the twin-spaded auger is mechanically scanned over the ground in two mechanical rotational states of polarization. When the auger spades are on either side of a buried mine they are closed to grasp the mine which is then removed from the ground.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.