Vincent P Mcginn

US Patent:

48885479, Dec 19, 1989

Filed:

Jan 23, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/299695

Inventors:

Vincent P. McGinn - Tulsa OK
Ira B. Goldberg - Thousand Oaks CA

Assignee:

Rockwell International Corporation - El Segundo CA

International Classification:

G01N 2200

US Classification:

324 585A

Abstract:

A meter measures the flow rate of a mixture by measuring a frequency characteristic of microwave propagation within a waveguide which forms a part of the conduit through which the mixture flows. Spaced apart slots in the waveguide form transmitting and detecting antennas which are connected to the output ports of a microwave bridge. An oscillator generates microwaves which are fed to the input of the microwave bridge. The output of the bridge is the difference in power transmitted through the two antennas. This signal is fed to a phase sensitive detection system and the output can be correlated to the flow rate of the mixture. In one embodiment, a computer control unit and computer controlled switches are provided to switch the microwave bridge in and out of the circuit so that both the flow rate and the concentration of an ingredient can be measured.