Abstract: A filter rod measuring station is equipped with measuring devices which measure at least the mass (M) of a filter rod and the draw resistance (PD) of the filter rod, and a microwave measuring device is provided for measuring the mass of the softener and/or the moisture content and/or the dry mass of the filter rod.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of analyzing a material contained inside a process vessel. An electromagnetic signal is applied to an elongated processing structure inside the vessel. The propagated electromagnetic signal is detected and information about dielectric properties of the material is extracted based on the detected signal. The invention also relates to a device comprising an elongated processing structure and a use of a processing structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for humidity and/or density measurement in a sample material, using a microwave transmitter, a microwave receiver and an analytical unit which can determine the phase and amplitude of microwave radiation from the microwave transmitter received by the microwave receiver and n which a complex transmission function for the measuring arrangement can be stored.

Abstract: A quality control system of concrete and cement products is provided in which the manufacturing information on cement products of mortar or concrete can be checked at any time, the reliability is such that there is no possibility of the recorded information being lost or falsified, there is no possibility of damage in concrete, and the directivity of the sensitivity of an antenna can be broadened.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide estimates of soil moisture by measuring the change in electrical conductivity near the surface of the earth using surface-propagated electromagnetic fields. A method is provided for estimating near-surface soil moisture, including measuring signals from an electromagnetic ground wave propagating between one or more receiving element locations, determining a transfer characteristic proportional to an average electrical conductivity between pairs of locations; and determining estimated soil moisture in one or more regions derived from analyzing the determined electrical conductivity between pairs of locations and a predetermined regional relationship between electrical conductivity and soil moisture.

Abstract: A microwave resonator for or on a textile machine, especially a card, draw frame, combing machine or the like, for attachment to a measuring device for measuring the mass and/or moisture content of textile fiber material conveyable continuously through a resonator chamber, has a housing with wall elements, wherein through-openings in spaced wall elements lying opposite one another are coaxially connected by a tubular element and the interior space of the housing is hollow. In order substantially to simplify manufacture and permit an uninterrupted resonance field, the housing comprises a hollow profile with profile walls in which at least one tubular element connects through-openings in opposite profile walls with each other.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detection and segregation of faulty cigarettes in a production/packaging installation for cigarettes having an apparatus by means of which faulty cigarettes are segregated from the conveyed sequence of cigarettes, wherein the apparatus and method use a generator and evaluation circuits for radio-frequency electromagnetic fields and use a sensor past whose end surface the ends of the cigarettes are passed and which applies the radio-frequency electromagnetic fields to the end surface of the sensor, whose size corresponds approximately to the size of the end surface of the cigarettes, with the changes in the electromagnetic fields as a cigarette passes being evaluated.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the measurement of mass or density and/or for the measurement of the humidity in a plurality of portioned units in a non-metallic carrier material, which provides the following: a microwave measuring instrument, consisting of at least one microwave resonator for generating at least one resonance mode in a spatially limited measurement area and an analysing unit for analysing at least one variable of the at least one resonance mode, a conveying device for the carrier material, which transports the carrier material with the portioned units through the measurement area, the microwave measuring instrument measures at least one variable of the at least one resonance mode at a time when only the carrier material without portioned unit is in the measurement area, and at a time when the portioned unit is at least partially in the measurement area, the analysing unit subtracts the variable measured for the carrier material from the measurement values for the portioned unit, and determines a va

Abstract: A Method and an apparatus for measuring the mass and/or moisture of the contents of incompletely filled capsules, containing, in particular, medicinal products, pharmaceutical products, vitamins and similar products, with the aid of microwaves is disclosed. The displacement of the resonant frequency and broadening of the resonance curve caused by the capsules in at least one resonator is determined and evaluated. Measurements are made integrated over the whole capsule as well as with high local resolution for various portions and cross sections of the capsule.

Abstract: A method configured to investigate an LCD structure, the method comprising: irradiating an LCD structure with pulsed radiation having at least one frequency in the range from 40G Hz to 100 THz; detecting radiation which has been transmitted through or reflected by the structure; determining information about the structure by measuring a quantity at least related to the amplitude of the detected radiation.

Abstract: A detecting apparatus for detecting information of at least a portion of a stack of sheet media includes an illuminating unit and a detecting unit. The illuminating unit illuminates a side of the stack of sheet media, or a portion thereof with electromagnetic waves. The detecting unit detects electromagnetic waves transmitted through or reflected by the stack of sheet media, or a portion thereof. The detecting apparatus is adapted to compare information of the electromagnetic waves detected by the detecting unit with information about attenuation of electromagnetic waves due to moisture contained in the sheet medium, and detect information of the moisture content of at least a portion of the stack of sheet media.

Abstract: A system for the detection of water in a sandwich structure for aircraft including: a microwave generator, at least two microwaves emitters/sensors mounted in the structure, and a microwave detector capable of detecting the microwaves after propagation in the structure; a data-processing unit associated with a library containing at least one model of the structure when empty. Also methods for implementing this system as well as an aircraft including such a system.

Abstract: A method for determining the composition and water salinity of a multi-component mixture of a gas and at least one liquid, including water, in a pipe (1), the method comprising the following steps: a. electromagnetic phase measurements are performed between two receiving antennas (4) located at different distances from a sending antenna (3), b. based on an empirically determined constant(s) and the above measurements, the effective and imaginary dielectric constants are determined, c. the mixture density is determined, d. the temperature and pressure are determined e. based on the knowledge of densities, effective dielectric constants and imaginary dielectric constants of the components of the fluid mixture and the results of the above steps a-d, the volume fractions of the gas and liquid or liquids of the fluid mixture and salinity of the water are calculated. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a spectrometer for measuring submillimeter absorption. The spectrometer may include a solid state exciter generating a submillimeter wave and sweeping a predetermined frequency band, a frequency marker generating unit electrically generating frequency markers, a sample cell to contain a gas, and a solid-state detector detecting a submillimeter absorption of the gas. A spectrometer energizes a solid-state oscillator to generate a submillimeter wave and to sweep a predetermined band of frequency. The submillimeter wave is introduced into a sample cell containing a gas and frequency markers that are electrically generated during the sweep. Outputs of a solid-state detector disposed in the sample cell are read and recorded as a function of time and with the frequency markers. The recorded outputs of the solid-state detector are converted into a function of frequency using the recorded frequency markers.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for detecting the presence and/or absence of a solid, liquid or gas which utilize an RF energy emitter and RF energy detector for determining whether a solid, liquid or gas is present within a defined physical space. More specifically, an RF energy emitter is provided at a first side of a solid, liquid or gas transmission channel and an RF energy receiver/detector is provided at an opposite side of the solid liquid or gas fluid channel. The RF energy emitter either continuously or periodically emits RF energy which in the preferred exemplary embodiment is in the high-frequency or more preferably ultrahigh frequency signal range. The amount of detected RF energy transferred across the channel is used in determining the presence and/or absence of a solid, liquid or gas.

Abstract: A grammage measuring apparatus including a dielectric resonator which is arranged only at one side surface of a sample; a shielding container with which the dielectric resonator is substantially covered except for a sample measuring surface; a microwave excitation device which causes the dielectric resonator to generate an electric field vector; a detection device which detects transmission energy or reflection energy by the dielectric resonator; a storage device in which a calibration curve indicating a resonance frequency shift amount for a grammage is stored; and a data processing device which calculates the grammage of a measuring sample from the calibration curve and measurement result of the resonance frequency shift amount of the measuring sample.

Abstract: A correlation method for measuring total and fractional flow rates of multiphase immiscible media comprises identifying two control sections along the multiphase flow, and scanning each control section so as to measure fluctuations in the dielectric flow characteristics in each section, the scanning signals for each section comprising rotating high-frequency electric and magnetic fields with one common carrier frequency. The received scanning signals are independently processed so as to identify the peak amplitude-frequency and gain-phase characteristics of the signals, and the results of all measurements are used for calculating the correlation functions. The scanning signals generated by the rotating high-frequency electric field are amplified by means of a normalizing scale factor, and all four scanning signals are additionally processed by a microprocessor. Total and factional flow rates are determined by comparing the measured characteristics with reference characteristics stored in a database.

Abstract: Bi-directional (longitudinal and angular) three-dimensional volumetric microwave scanning of a whole roll or pallet of paper (FIGS. 3, 4), including three-dimensional volumetric mapping of internal properties and characteristics (moisture content, density, material uniformity, defects and types thereof, and variabilities thereof) of the roll or pallet of paper. Transmitted microwaves propagate through longitudinally and angularly defined portions of individual cross-sectional volumetric segments of the roll or pallet of paper. Microwave parameters (amplitude, phase) are perturbed by, and are a function of the internal properties and characteristics of, the contents of volumetric segment portions of the roll or pallet of paper. Microwave differential parameters (amplitude attenuation, phase shift) are calculated and used for calculating and determining values, relationships, two-dimensional graphs and maps, and, three-dimensional volumetric graphs and maps (FIGS.

Abstract: A filter rod measuring station is equipped with measuring devices which measure at least the mass (M) of a filter rod and the draw resistance (PD) of the filter rod, and a microwave measuring device is provided for measuring the mass of the softener and/or the moisture content and/or the dry mass of the filter rod.

Abstract: A process for measuring the moisture content and the mass-moisture content of materials is presented that requires no air reference or calibration sequence. A microwave signal is split into a reference and a transmission signal, and the reference signal is applied directly to the phase detector, whereas the transmission signal is first transmitted through the sample before being presented to the other side of the phase detector. This measurement provides a phase-constant measurement that is due to the dielectric characteristics of the material under test. The system measures the material's phase-constant across a band of frequencies. The slope of the phase-constant versus frequency is then utilized to predict the density of the material which is then combined with the corrected phase-constant measurement to calculate the moisture content of the material.

Abstract: A device for measuring a distribution of selected properties of a material. The device includes an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation at at least a first and second frequency in a selected frequency range through the material, at least one sensor configured to detect electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the material, and an analyzer configured to determine the distribution of selected properties based on the detected electromagnetic radiation at the at least first and second frequency. Further, the distribution of the selected properties is unchanged between the emitted electromagnetic radiation at the first and second frequencies.

Abstract: A detecting apparatus for detecting information of at least a portion of a stack of sheet media includes an illuminating unit and a detecting unit. The illuminating unit illuminates a side of the stack of sheet media, or a portion thereof with electromagnetic waves. The detecting unit detects electromagnetic waves transmitted through or reflected by the stack of sheet media, or a portion thereof. The detecting apparatus is adapted to compare information of the electromagnetic waves detected by the detecting unit with information about attenuation of electromagnetic waves due to moisture contained in the sheet medium, and detect information of the moisture content of at least a portion of the stack of sheet media.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a Soil Penetrating Electrode with Conical Taper for use with instrumentation for measurement of the electrical properties of soil in situ. The Electrode shape and configuration solves problems of stable and reliable contact with the soil, repeatable contact area, and ease of use by the operator.

Abstract: Apparatus for ascertaining the mass and/or the moisture content of successive increments of a running rod containing tobacco and/or filter material for tobacco smoke has a resonator housing with a cylindrical internal chamber which is disposed between an inlet and an outlet and wherein the rod is exposed to microwaves. The housing is made of a metallic material having a low thermal expansion coefficient, and its internal surface is lined with gold or another corrosion resistant substance. A protective plastic tube establishes a path for the rod from the inlet, across the chamber and into the outlet of the resonator housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for analysing an amount of at least one component in a sample (21) by measuring a microwave signal (13) that has passed at least partially through the sample (21), the apparatus comprising: a microwave generator that generates a continuous linear sweeping microwave signal varying in frequency, a microwave transmitter (11), a microwave receiver (12), at least one microwave analyser that analyses phase shift and/or change in amplitude of a transmitted and received signal (13), a (40) for determining a depth of the sample (21) and a processor that determines the amount of the component(s) in the sample (21) from the microwave analyser.

Abstract: In a method of detecting and eliminating foreign bodies in tobacco, a flow of tobacco advances first through a preparation zone where it is gathered into a continuous ribbon of tobacco filler, then through a forming station at which the filler is used to fashion a continuous cigarette rod, and finally through a cutter device that divides the rod into cigarette sticks; the advancing flow is directed at a given point through a detection device and exposed to electromagnetic radiation of microwave frequency emitted and received in such a way as to generate output signals reflecting any variations in moisture content along the flow of tobacco, caused by the inclusion of foreign bodies and associated with given portions of the flow each coinciding with a singly identifiable cigarette stick.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the on-site determination of water content in crude oil. The water content of crude oil is determined by mixing a sample of the crude oil with a fixed amount of molecular sieves. The electromagnetic characteristics of the molecular sieves upon mixing with the sample are then measured and used to determine the water content of the sample. This provides a simple approach to measuring the moisture content in crude oil that is extremely fast, accurate, and reproducible without the use of hazardous chemicals.

Abstract: A method of estimating the displaced size of a knot in a lumber piece includes the steps of: translating the lumber piece downstream along a flow path between a radiation source and sensor while simultaneously irradiating the lumber piece with radiation from the first radiation source whereby the radiation is attenuated by the lumber piece; collecting a set of radiation intensity data from the radiation sensor as the lumber piece is irradiated; processing the set of radiation intensity data to sum the radiation intensity data and to provide radiation intensity profiles transversely of the flow path direction and corresponding density profiles transversely of the flow path direction; mapping the density profiles to model a set of three dimensional density profiles of the lumber piece; processing the radiation intensity data to determine a clear wood density threshold value for the lumber piece and a maximum density value of the density profiles; and, computing a ratio of the summed density profile values to th

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mitigating precipitation effects realized at an antenna system of an instrument such as a microwave radiometer are disclosed. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a blower mechanism that enables instrument operation even during precipitation events (rain, snow, sleet, or excessive condensation) by causing a flow of air at relatively high velocity tangentially across the antenna system. The air flow is of sufficient force to disallow contact by hydrometeors with the antenna or antenna window of the system by redirecting the path of the falling hydrometeors in flight and/or to sweep hydrometeors reaching or formed at the window from the vicinity of the window. Other mechanisms for such precipitation effects mitigation are also disclosed.

Abstract: The moisture content of soil may be determined using a swept-frequency microwave-based process and device. The process includes the steps of: producing a primary microwave signal with a varying frequency, splitting the primary signal to provide first and second microwave signals, which first signal is transmitted through an electric conductor in the soil where it will be delayed in proportion to the dielectric constant of the soil, while the second signal provides an internal reference signal, receiving a third signal which includes the first signal after it has passed through the electrical conductor, mixing the third signal together with the second signal, generating a mixed signal, filtering the mixed signal to remove upper side-band interference signals, generating a filtered-mixed signal, measuring the frequency of the filtered-mixed signal and calculating the moisture content of the soil.

Abstract: A method of determining the composition of a multiphase fluid, such as a flowing petroleum effluent, an emulsion of water and oil, or a foam of oil and gas is disclosed. A first part comprises determining a model expressing the attenuation and the phase shift of a microwave beam as a function of the volume fractions and the permittivities of the various phases. Then, a second part comprises determining the volume fractions of the various phases that make up a multiphase fluid by minimizing the distance between the measured attenuation and phase shift pair and the attenuation and phase shift pair given by the previously determined model.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for determining the moisture content of a material with a measuring line extending through the material and having a proximal end connected to a signal generator for supplying a pulse signal to the measuring line, which pulse signal is reflected and returned back to the proximal end of the measuring line to which a comparator is connected for measuring the travel time of the signal supplied, and the reflected signal returned, to the proximal end of the measuring line and its amplitude is with compared with an amplitude corresponding to a threshold, an adjustable threshold value generator and controller are provided generating a threshold value signal which depends on the amplitude of the reflected signal.

Abstract: The moisture content of a test material may be determined using a microwave-based process and device which is free from interference by multipath standing waves. Multipath signals may be electronically removed from the measured signal.

Abstract: A Moisture and Density Detector (MDD) provides a method and apparatus to determine the moisture content and/or density, as well as presence and location of anomalies, and/or wood type of any dielectric material for various purposes. This device is very useful in detecting the moisture content of wood and wood-based materials, such as that of lumber in a dry kiln prior to, during and/or following drying. The MDD passes a radio frequency signal and/or any other signal between opposed or adjacent capacitance electrodes and measures the signal strength and phase shift of the signal. The addition of phase shift and multiple frequencies improves the accuracy of the results.

Abstract: Narrow pulses transmitted wirelessly from a transmitting antenna to a receiving antenna are used to measure the electrical permittivity of the medium of interest between the two antennas. Timing signals are transmitted along a shielded transmission line coincident with the wireless transmission through the medium. The received waveform is digitized in the time domain and analyzed to determine the propagation time. The effects of dispersion caused by the conductive and dielectric properties of the medium on the transmitted waveform are overcome through analysis of the digitized waveform, resulting in an accurate measurement of the propagation time and thus the permittivity of the medium, from which volumetric moisture content may be derived.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for measuring the distribution of selected properties of materials, said device comprises an emitter of electromagnetic radiation and furthermore at least one sensor of a first type. The emitter emits electromagnetic radiation in a selected frequency range towards said materials and a sensor of the first type detects electromagnetic radiation in a selected frequency range coming from said materials. The detected electromagnetic radiation having been emitted by said emitter. The device also comprises means to generate a three dimensional image contour information regarding the said material's position in space, and an analyser which (a) receives information from said sensors and (b) processes this information and (c) generates signals containing information about the distribution of said properties as output. The invention also relates to a system and a method for measuring the distribution of selected properties of materials.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of estimating moisture content in a material involving directing a first frequency (f1) signal and a second frequency (f2) signal through a material, determining a first absolute phase shift (?1) of the frequency signal and a second absolute phase shift (?2) of the second frequency signal, transforming ?1 to a first corrected absolute phase shift (?1c) and ?2 to a second corrected absolute phase shift (?2c) in accordance with an expected relationship between ?1 and ?2, and estimating moisture content from ?1c and ?2c.

Abstract: In order to measure at least one parameter of a mixture of carrier substance, water and gas, the permittivity value of the mixture is measured at different frequencies by means of a network analyzer (1) and a sensor. The measurements are entered into a mixing formula for forming a system of equations. From the system of equations, at least one parameter of the mixture can be determined. The method is also suited for the measurement of the location dependence of a parameter, e.g. for the measurement of the humidity distribution in concrete.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining the moisture content of bulk material, in particular potting soil, wherein the volume of a quantity of bulk material is determined, the weight of the quantity of bulk material is determined, the specific density is then determined from the volume and the weight, and finally the moisture content is determined by comparison with a table. The invention further relates to a method and apparatus for preparing bulk material, in particular potting soil, with a predetermined moisture content, wherein the volume of a quantity of bulk material is determined, the weight of the quantity of bulk material is determined, and water is then added to the quantity of bulk material until the weight associated with the desired moisture content is obtained.

Abstract: Using surface microwaves for measuring and determining density and/or moisture content of a material. Positioning material within a proximate free space region spanning immediately above surface of a surface microwave waveguide, the surface microwave waveguide includes an electrically conducting rectangular block and a dielectric rectangular insert element compactly fitting into the block. Transmitting microwaves into the first end of the surface microwave waveguide, a first portion of the transmitted microwaves propagate within the surface microwave waveguide and a second portion propagates within the proximate free space region including the material. Parameters (amplitude, phase, attenuation, and phase shift) of the propagating microwaves are perturbed by the material and are a function of density and/or moisture content of the material.

Abstract: The method of detecting foreign bodies in continuous mass streams of fibrous material, strand-like material or material similar to bulk goods with the aid of microwaves, in which the mass flow is led through the field of a microwave resonator and in which the change (A) in the resonant frequency, effected by the material, and the change (B) in the width of the resonance curve of the microwave resonator is determined, is distinguished in that the ratio (B/A) of the changes is evaluated and compared with corresponding averages, and the presence of a foreign body is reported when the ratio differs from the averages by more than a predefined value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting moisture. An oscillatory electrical signal S1 generated by an oscillator is propagated into a body that includes an electrically insulative material. A signal due to S1 emerges from the body as an oscillatory electrical signal S2. The signals S1 and S2 differ in phase by ??, wherein ?? is indicative of moisture along a path traversed by S1 within the insulative material, and wherein the conductance ? of the insulative material is also indicative of the moisture along the path traversed by S1 within the insulative material. S2 is received at a sensing surface of a sensing part (e.g., probe, sensing antenna, etc.) and then transmitted to a moisture detecting device. The moisture detecting device determines from S1 and S2 a measure M of the moisture as a function of ?? or as a function of ?.

Abstract: A tape-drive condensation sensor includes a probe with first and second spaced-apart electrodes that define a passage for air flow within a pneumatic conduit. A voltage source is coupled between the electrodes and the voltage of the source and the spacing between the electrodes are adapted to pass a current when a drop of condensation forms between the electrodes. An alarm circuit is activated by the flow of current, the alarm being adapted to signal an event of discernible condensation.

Abstract: Propagation time Tp of an ultrasound signal between two spaced-apart transducers constituting an emitter and a receiver is measured. The emitter transducer is subjected to an excitation signal of n successive pulses of period Te giving rise to an ultrasound signal being emitted towards the receiver transducer which receives the ultrasound signal generating and outputting a receive signal. A measurement of an intermediate propagation time Tint is started when the emitter transducer begins to be excited. The receive signal is detected and the oscillations in the receive signal are counted. Measurement of the intermediate propagation time Tint is stopped when an ith oscillation is detected. The propagation time Tp is determined by taking the difference Tint?i×Te. Advantageously, measurement of Tint is stopped for an ith oscillation of the receive signal that corresponds to the receive signal being at a maximum amplitude.

Abstract: The device for measuring the mass and/or the moisture of a material running through a spinning preparation machine is distinguished in that it has a microwave resonator (15, 18) and associated adapted measurement electronics. The method for measuring the mass and/or the moisture of a material running through a spinning preparation machine is distinguished in that the measurement is carried out with the aid of microwaves.

Abstract: Accurate and stable measurement of the dielectric constant of the substance or a mixture of substances by the use of measuring the delay through a transmission line imbedded in the substance as a delay means with compensation for signal degradation brought about by conductivity of the substance. The substance for which the dielectric constant is to be measured is introduced between or about the elements of the transmission line so as to vary the propagation or delay of the signals through the transmission line.

Abstract: A Moisture and Density Detector (MDD) that provides a method and apparatus to determine the moisture content and/or density of any dielectric material for various purposes. This device is very useful in detecting the moisture content (MC) of wood and wood-based materials, such as that of lumber in a dry kiln prior to, during and/or following drying. The MDD passes a radio frequency signal between opposed or adjacent capacitance electrodes and measures the signal strength and phase shift of the signal. The addition of phase shift and multiple frequencies improves the accuracy of the results.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting volumetric moisture content and conductivity in various media based on the time-domain reflectometry (TDR) system disclosed in patent application Ser. No. 09/945,528. As in patent application Ser. No. 09/945,528, successive square waves are generated and transmitted on a transmission line through a medium of interest, and a characteristic received waveform is analyzed by continuously sampling multiple received waveforms at short time intervals. Unlike the former system, the system in this disclosure does not house the transmitting and receiving circuitry on the same circuit board, but uses a bistatic approach to separate transmitting and receiving modules. A timing signal is coincidentally sent with the transmitted waveform along a separate shielded transmission line. The effects of dispersion caused by the conductive and dielectric properties of the medium on the waveform sent on the unshielded transmission line are extrapolated.

Abstract: A method of detecting impurities in a mass, such as detecting metallic and/or plastic particles in a stream of tobacco particles or filter material for tobacco smoke, includes the steps of moving the mass relative to a microwave field and/or vice versa, and analyzing the influence of the mass upon the microwave field. The analyzing step involves simultaneously measur- the actual values of a first and a second parameter of the microwave field, ascertaining the presence or absence of those changes of the parameters which are attributable to the presence of impurities in the mass, determining whether or not the changes are within an acceptable range, and generating signals for segregation of impurities-containing portions of the mass from the other portions when the changes are outside of the acceptable range.

Abstract: A wood moisture meter for measuring the moisture content of wood by monitoring the dielectric constant of the wood as a dependent variable of the amount of moisture in the wood. The sensor is a pair of parallel plates which, when encased in a plastic film, placed side by side in direct contact with the wood and in a snake-like pattern, will form the plates of a capacitor in the which the dielectric material is the wood itself. The capacitor is used in a circuit, the input for which is a nominal voltage of 5V, the output of which is a pulse of a length directly proportional to the varying dielectric constant of the wood as the wood dries in a wood drying kiln. The pulse length is correlated with the appropriate wood moisture content and provided to the operator of the kiln.