Hi,

> Not sure if it is MIR but our maintanence guy has a stud sensor that
> has a bar graph for relative distance through objects. Opened it up
> and it was a single IC circuit with a stripline antenna etched in the
> PcBd. The chip is marked ZIRCON 50761.

It sounds very much like it could be, would make a great obstacle
avoidance sesor for a robot.  How much would such a stud finder cost
and has anyone heard of a Chip fab that badges their ICs ZIRCON.

Is there contact information for the manufacturer of the studfinder,
they might have other products.

The LLNL people say that there is a company that is marketing level
sensors for tanks and things that use MIR.

What I got from LLNL in response to existing MIR motion detectors.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Thank you for your interest in the MIR technology.  We have licensed to
several companies in several different fields of use.  Most of our licensees
wish to remain anonymous do to competitive reasons.  A few of our licensees
have products published in catalogs.  One licensee has a product in the
"Levelite Store Catalog".  The product name is "The Wave" and is for fluid
level sensing.  Their 800 number is 1 (800) 975-3835.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Perhaps someone would call the 800 number and find out what they offer
and pricing on the technology.  The MIR level sensors dangle a wire into
the tank and detect the reflected pulse from the air/liquid interface
and work out how much of the wire is in the liquid.

Cheers
--
Kalle Pihlajasaari     kalle@data.co.za
Interface Products     Box 15775, Doornfontein, 2028, South Africa
+27 (11) 402-7750      Fax: +27 (11) 402-7751