Microwave moisture analyzer: apparatus and method
US7148455B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 5, 2001 |
| Grant date | Dec 12, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 16, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N5/045
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention includes a toploading weighing instrumentality which determines loss on drying by a cylindrical microwave. The cylindrical cavity of the microwave includes a power supply, a magnetron, a power module operatively coupled between the power supply and the magnetron for driving the magnetron, a wave guide communicating with the magnetron and with a microwave containment chamber for delivering energy, and at least one microwave energy sensor for sensing microwave energy or magnetic and/or electric field strengths within the chamber for controlling, inter alia, the loss on drying process of the sample being assayed and determining when the drying process is complete. A precision electronic balance is operatively disposed within the microwave chamber for allowing a specimen being assayed to be weighed. In addition, a ventilation chamber is provided for venting moisture from the microwave chamber. A processing unit provides for data acquisition, processing and storage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.