Patent ID: 8033161
Filing Date: 2011-10-11
Classification: G01M,H01Q

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for determining the integrity of an antenna system, comprising: a controller; at least one valve operationally connected to said controller; a source of pressurized gas; at least one microwave antenna fluidly connected to said pressurized gas by way of said at least one valve; and a pressure sensor in communication with said controller, said pressure sensor sensing a pressure of said pressurized gas, said controller configured to check for a gas leak in said at least one microwave antenna by checking for a change in said pressure with said at least one valve being alternatively opened and closed, said at least one valve is fluidly positioned between said source of pressurized gas and said pressure sensor, said at least one valve includes a first valve and a second valve, said at least one microwave antenna includes a first microwave antenna and a second microwave antenna, said first valve controlling a fluid connectivity of said first microwave antenna with said source of pressurized gas, said second valve controlling a fluid connectivity of said second microwave antenna with said source of pressurized gas, said controller obtains a first pressure value from said pressure sensor after said controller has closed all of said valves, said controller opens said first valve and obtains a second pressure value from said pressure sensor, and said controller closes said first valve if said second pressure value is below a predetermined value.