Patent ID: 6400161
Filing Date: 2002-06-04
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A material analyzing apparatus comprising:analyzer body, the analyzer body comprising a generally insulative material casing; wherein the analyzer body further comprising: material analyzing circuitry, the material analyzing circuitry comprising a transmitter, a receiver, and a control, an antenna system, the antenna system comprising a transmitting antenna, a receiving antenna, and a ground layer; a coupling structure that couples the antenna system to the material analyzing circuitry; wherein the transmitter of the material analyzing circuitry generates a VHF electromagnetic wave signal, the VHF electromagnetic wave signal being adapted to be sent by the transmitting antenna, being directed into a material to be analyzed, the receiving antenna receiving any returned signal from the material and then sent to the receiver and to the control, the control then able to analyze the signal for material characteristics; and wherein the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna of the antenna system and the ground layer comprise an antenna system that has a configuration of a 2 conductor transmission line with in-between ground layer, wherein the antenna system provides a uniform coverage and does not present dead zones and provides field shaping that results in return signals being less effected by the material surface properties, characteristics, and configurations of the material surface.