US 12,111,200 B2
Phased array radar for fluid sensing
Gregory M Quist, Escondido, CA (US); David A Drake, Escondido, CA (US); David B Rees, Encinitas, CA (US); and Lawrence B Merchell, San Marcos, CA (US)
Assigned to HADRONEX, INC., Escondido, CA (US)
Filed by HADRONEX, INC., Escondido, CA (US)
Filed on Dec. 14, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/644,331.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/125,940, filed on Dec. 15, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2022/0187117 A1, Jun. 16, 2022
Int. Cl. G01F 23/284 (2006.01); G01S 13/42 (2006.01); G01S 13/02 (2006.01)
CPC G01F 23/284 (2013.01) [G01S 13/426 (2013.01); G01S 2013/0263 (2013.01)] 27 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A covered enclosure surface sensing device, comprising:
a phased array radar sensor, with a 2-D antenna array on chip, capable of electronically steering a radar beam to create a three-dimensional image by scanning a field of view, adapted for placement in an upper portion of the covered enclosure, wherein at least a bottom of the enclosure is scanned;
a processor module, processing data from and to the phased array radar sensor;
a motion detector;
a communication module with a data link to the processor module, and coupled to a communication antenna directing communication away from the enclosure;
a power source, providing power to the phased array radar sensor, processor module, motion detector and communication module; and
an environmental encasing, protecting the phased array radar sensor, processor module, power source, communication module, and motion detector, the environmental encasing configured to be attached proximal to a bottom of a lid of the enclosure or an upper side surface of the enclosure,
wherein the phased array radar sensor operates to scan within the enclosure for at least one of flexible surfaces and obstructions a level of liquid or powder in a bottom of the enclosure, a reference position of an open channeled-inlet and an open channeled outlet in the enclosure, a level of liquid in the inlet and outlet, and a speed of fluid in the inlet and the outlet,
wherein a reorientation scan of the enclosure is performed by the phased array radar sensor after the motion detector detects a threshold movement of the lid.