Abstract: A model for predicting bioavailability of arsenic in site soil and a construction method and an application thereof, includes steps of: leveling soil after selecting a measuring point, vertically placing a measuring sleeve, fully supplying water to site soil to be measured, balancing for 20-40 min, measuring a water content in a soil volume not less than 40%, placing a piston DGT device into the measuring sleeve and pressing the device into soil, covering a top of the measuring sleeve with a wind shield, cleaning the piston DGT device after the measurement, analyzing a concentration of available arsenic by ICP-MS, and measuring available arsenic of soil; linearly fitting the available arsenic measured by a DGT method with human bioavailable arsenic measured by a UBM method, and obtaining a model for predicting bioavailability of arsenic in site soil.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting water within an electronic power steering assembly. A sensor assembly includes a resistor and a water-sensitive capacitor arranged to provide a series resistor-capacitor (RC) network having a cut-off frequency that is a function of a capacitance of the water-sensitive capacitor. An oscillator provides an excitation to the series RC network having a known frequency, such that the series RC network provides an output in response to the excitation. An envelope detector receives the output of the series RC network and generates an output representing an amplitude of the output of the series RC network. A microcontroller determines if water is present within the electronic power steering assembly from the amplitude of the output of the series RC network.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device having functional circuitry driven by a clock signal includes onboard clock generation circuitry. The clock generation circuitry includes an input configured to accept a frequency reference signal, at least one variable loading capacitor coupled to the input for converting the crystal resonator signal into a calibrated clock signal, and calibration circuitry configured to calibrate the at least one variable loading capacitor based on a reference voltage. The input configured to accept a frequency reference signal may be configured to accept a crystal resonator signal.

Abstract: Provided is a method, computer program product, and drying system for determining a dryness level of a garment. A processor of a controller may receive location data from a position sensor. The location data indicates a position of one or more garments on a drying rack. The processor may register the location of the one or more garments on a virtual map of the drying rack displayed on a user interface of the controller. The processor may receive dryness data for the one or more garments from a moisture sensor. The processor may compare the dryness data to a dryness threshold. In response to the dryness data meeting the dryness threshold, the processor may push a notification to a user.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and systems, including computer-implemented methods, computer program products, and computer systems, for measuring a water cut for hydrocarbon fluid in a production pipe. One method includes transmitting a microwave through a first waveguide attached to a production pipe, wherein the microwave is directed to the hydrocarbon fluid in the production pipe; and obtaining, measurement results based on reflection or propagation of the microwave, wherein the measurement results are used to determine a water cut of the hydrocarbon fluid.

Abstract: Methods of evaluating viscous compositions are disclosed. The methods may be used to evaluate degradation levels of lubricants including grease. The methods may include preparing a surface for testing by leveling and flattening a viscous composition, placing a drop of a liquid on the flattened leveled surface, evaluating the observed contact angle between the drop and the surface, and then comparing the observed contact angle to a reference contact angle.

Abstract: A thermal analysis apparatus includes: a cylindrical heating furnace extending in an axial direction; a weight detector arranged on a rear-end side in the axial direction of the cylindrical heating furnace and including levers extending in the axial direction to detect a weight; a connecting portion for connecting the cylindrical heating furnace and the weight detector to communicate an internal space of the cylindrical heating furnace with an internal space of the weight detector and positioning the levers from the weight detector into the cylindrical heating furnace; sample holding portions connected to tip ends of the levers and arranged inside the cylindrical heating furnace and holding a sample; resistance heaters arranged to cover the weight detector and energized by an electric current of 6 A or less; and a heater control part for controlling an energization state of the resistance heaters to maintain the weight detector at a constant temperature.

Abstract: A soil moisture indicator contains a water-absorbing material and a color-changing part. A body part is formed and hollow by a material through which water does not pass, and has a water-absorbing opening proximate one end and a transpiration opening positioned near the other end. A display part is connected to the other end of the body part and allows an inner hollow portion to be viewed. An upper-end part that constitutes the end portion of the display part can be removed from and connected to the display part at the end portion on the opposite side to the end portion connected to the body. There is a change in color tone indication between a water-absorbed state and a dry state.

Abstract: A pet absorbent sheet includes: an absorbent core; and a liquid-permeable sheet disposed closer to a top side of the pet absorbent sheet than the absorbent core and that includes a plurality of hydrophilic fibers. The liquid-permeable sheet has waterproof regions that contain a water resisting agent. The water resisting agent is formed to surround gaps between fibers formed of the plurality of hydrophilic fibers.

Abstract: A gas detector uses a MEMS gas sensor having: a substrate provided with a cavity and an insulating film over the cavity; a metal oxide semiconductor and a heater both provided on the insulating film. A drive circuit operates the heater with a predetermined period for a predetermined pulse duration in order to heat the metal oxide semiconductor. The drive circuit halts operation of the heater or elongates the period when a humidity sensor detects that the atmosphere is humid.

Abstract: A wound dressing is disclosed, the wound dressing comprising a first adhesive layer with a proximal surface configured for attachment of the wound dressing to the skin surface of a user; an absorbent core layer; an electrode assembly comprising a plurality of electrodes arranged on a distal side of the absorbent core layer, the electrode assembly comprising a plurality of sensor points distributed along a distal surface of the absorbent core layer; and a top layer on a distal side of the electrode assembly.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus (2000) acquires a feature vector (20) obtained based on signal data (14) of a detected value of a sensor (10) that senses gas to be measured. The information processing apparatus (2000) decomposes the feature vector (20) into a product of a coefficient vector and a feature matrix by using a non-negative matrix factorization (NMF). The detected value of the sensor (10) changes according to an attachment and a detachment of a molecule contained in a sensed gas. A value of each element of the feature vector (20) is equal to or greater than zero.

Abstract: Described examples include devices and methods for measuring relative humidity of an environment using inductance. The devices can include a resonant circuit, including a capacitor and an inductor. The inductor includes a moisture-absorbing core with at least a portion thereof exposed to an environment, with at least one magnetic property of the core being variable in response to changing levels of moisture in the environment. An excitation circuit provides an AC excitation signal to the resonant circuit. A sense circuit determines an inductance of the inductor according to a sense signal from the resonant circuit. The sense circuit is coupled to generate an output signal that indicates a humidity level of the environment according to the sense signal.

Abstract: An infiltration apparatus is disclosed herein. In various aspects, the infiltrometer apparatus includes a cylinder that defines a cylinder passage coupleable to a base that defines a base passage to form an infiltrometer passage. The infiltrometer apparatus includes a baffle removably emplacable within the infiltrometer passage, in various aspects. The baffle is in gapped relation with a soil surface of a soil when the base coupled to the cylinder is inserted into the soil and the baffle is emplaced within the infiltrometer passage, in various aspects. In various aspects, the infiltrometer apparatus includes a level detector to detect a water surface level of a water surface within the infiltrometer passage. The level detector may communicate by network with a computer to communicate data indicative of the water surface level to the computer. Related methods of use of the infiltrometer apparatus are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A moisture permeability measuring device includes a first body member including a seating part, a flexible bottom plate to be arranged on the seating part, a flexible top plate to be arranged on the bottom plate, a holder part to fix a lower edge portion of the bottom plate and an upper edge portion of the top plate, and a second body member to be arranged on the holder part and having a through-hole defined in a region overlapping the top plate, and an area of the seating part on a plane is smaller than an area of the bottom plate on the plane.

Abstract: A permeameter apparatus and method of measuring hydraulic permeability of porous samples, that includes multiple tube manometers stacked vertically at equal intervals on the same side wall of a compression cell containing the sample. The levels of the water menisci in the stacked manometers characterize the temporal and spatial profile of hydraulic conductivity, which can be measured in the constant and falling head regimes in the same apparatus. The apparatus is enabled with a sample compression system imitating the geostatic pressure profiles at different depths of the sample extraction. The apparatus and method allow measurement of time-dependent hydraulic conductivity in anisotropic media at variable pressures.

Abstract: Provided is an orally disintegrating tablet evaluating method includes: measuring the mass of tablet; placing the tablet on a preparation placement surface of a test solution supply unit; measuring a water absorption time for a test solution to penetrate from one end of the tablet in contact with the surface to the other end of the tablet; measuring the mass of the tablet for which the time for the solution to penetrate has been measured; and calculating the water absorption rate of the tablet by the following formula (1); wherein the tablet is evaluated based on a water absorption rate of the tablet of 0.004 g/sec: water absorption rate of tablet=(mass of tablet after measurement of time for solution to penetrate?mass of tablet before measurement of time for solution to penetrate)/(time for solution to penetrate from one end to other end)??(1).

Abstract: A combine including a grain tank that retains grain conveyed from a threshing device; a discharge auger; a temporary retention unit within the grain tank that temporarily retains part of the grain and has a discharge port; a quality measurement unit that detects quality of the grain retained in the temporary retention unit; a shutter transitionable between a position where the discharge port is open and a position where the discharge port is closed; a control unit that opens the shutter when the measurement by the quality measurement unit is completed and closes the shutter when all of the grain in the temporary retention unit is discharged; a volume measurement unit that detects the retention volume of the grain retained in the grain tank; and a determination unit that determines whether the retention volume exceeds a predetermined value, and if so, the control unit stops the opening/closing control.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed using electromagnetic (EM) spectroscopy to obtain non-destructively measurements to determine the water activity (Aw) of meat using reflected and/or transmitted signals.

Abstract: A non-invasive NMR based apparatus for measuring a food attribute (moisture, sugar content) in food products comprises a magnetic chamber, an RF pulsing device attached to the magnetic chamber, a sensor receiver, and a data processing unit in communication with the sensor receiver. The pulsing device exposes the food ingredients/snacks to an RF field and produces an NMR response signal that is detected by the sensor receiver. The data processing unit quantitatively measures a food attribute of the food product based on the NMR response signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for non-invasively determining a water content, a solute content, and a thickness of plant tissue are disclosed. A system includes a sensing device having a first piece and a second piece, where the first piece and the second piece are coupled together to form a clip. The system further includes a capacitive tissue sensor including a capacitor. The capacitor includes a plurality of coplanar conductive plates. The first piece and the second piece are biased in a closed position to provide a gripping force around the plant tissue such that at least a portion of the plant tissue contacts the plurality of coplanar conductive plates.

Abstract: A non-invasive NMR based apparatus for measuring a food attribute (moisture, sugar content) in food products comprises a magnetic chamber, an RF pulsing device attached to the magnetic chamber, a sensor receiver, and a data processing unit in communication with the sensor receiver. The pulsing device exposes the food ingredients/snacks to an RF field and produces an NMR response signal that is detected by the sensor receiver. The data processing unit quantitatively measures a food attribute of the food product based on the NMR response signal.

Abstract: System that enables a user to generate a detailed noise complaint with a simple input such as a button click; the system identifies the source of the noise and the authority responsible for monitoring this noise, and it creates a properly formatted complaint and sends it to the responsible authority. Illustrative uses include generation of complaints for noise caused by air traffic, trains, wind turbines, road traffic, or sirens. The user may initiate a complaint using any device such as a mobile phone, a voice-activated system such as Amazon Echo™ or Google Home™, or a dedicated input device. The system may search databases or information feeds to identify the likely source of noise near the user's location. For example, the system may access real-time flight path data to find the airplane closest to the user at the time the user initiates an air noise complaint.

Abstract: A method for determining a characteristic of a construction material is provided. The method includes imaging the construction material and determining a characteristic of the construction material based off of the imaging.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for monitoring a Yankee cylinder (3). The arrangement comprises a Yankee cylinder (3) arranged in a tissue machine (1) for manufacturing a tissue web (2), a measuring device (10) being a permanent part of the tissue machine (1) and providing a main measuring device for a process control of the tissue machine (1), and at least one data processing unit (15) configured to process measurement data describing the at least one measured property of the moving web (2). The data processing unit (15) is configured to form at least one graphical representation describing a treatment effect performance provided by a heated outer surface (4) of the Yankee cylinder (3) to the web (2) to be manufactured.

Abstract: System that enables a user to generate a detailed noise complaint with a simple input such as a button click; the system identifies the source of the noise and the authority responsible for monitoring this noise, and it creates a properly formatted complaint and sends it to the responsible authority. Illustrative uses include generation of complaints for noise caused by air traffic, trains, wind turbines, road traffic, or sirens. The user may initiate a complaint using any device such as a mobile phone, a voice-activated system such as Amazon Echo™ or Google Home™, or a dedicated input device. The system may search databases or information feeds to identify the likely source of noise near the user's location. For example, the system may access real-time flight path data to find the airplane closest to the user at the time the user initiates an air noise complaint.

Abstract: A system and method for adjusting transfer parameters in electrostatic-based printers includes a sensor proximate to a paper path before a toner transfer area. A sensor comprised of opposing conductive plates determines a paper property, such as its capacitance, as it passes through an air gap between the conductive plates. A transfer roller receives an electric charge for transferring toner from an associated transfer belt to the paper with a voltage of the electric charge being adjusted based on a transfer parameter corresponding to the sensor data.

Abstract: A sensor-plug for insertion into a drier bottle of an automotive condenser. The sensor-plug is a unitary piece and positioned within the drier bottle to eliminate the use of a separate sensor on the opposite side of the condenser.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a chassis; an implement frame carried by the chassis; a shank connected to the implement frame, the shank including a shank point configured to break apart soil and a load sensor associated with the shank point which is configured to output shank load signals as the shank point advances through soil; an actuator carried by the chassis and configured to adjust a depth of the shank point; and a controller electrically coupled to the load sensor and the actuator. The controller is configured to receive the shank load signals; generate a load profile from the received shank load signals; analyze the load profile to determine whether the shank point is in a soil compaction layer; and activate the actuator to adjust the depth of the shank point based on the analyzed load profile.

Abstract: A perforated roll (10) of a fiber web machine includes a roll shell (19), holes (13) extending through the roll shell, and a sensing system (14) arranged in the roll shell. The sensing system (14) includes at least one pair of leads (16), to which one or more sensors (15) have been connected. At least one pair of leads is composed of flat leads (17.2, 17.2), which are arranged in the roll shell side by side. A prefabricated sensor sheet (26) may be prepared for a perforated roll of a fiber web machine, such that holes may be drilled therethrough to communicate with the roll shell holes (13).

Abstract: According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include: an external housing having a through-hole that connects the inside and the outside of the portable electronic device; a first structure that is accommodated in a space of the external housing and has an opening and a passage, wherein the opening is disposed adjacent to the through-hole and the passage extends in a first direction and is connected to the opening; a second structure that is accommodated in the space of the external housing and disposed adjacent to the first structure, and has a portion directed toward the through-hole; and a material that is located on the portion of the second structure so as to be visible from the outside through the through-hole and changes color in reaction to contact of a fluid. In addition, various other embodiments can be made.

Abstract: A cover for a duct sensor includes an outer envelope extending circumferentially around the cover, a seal projecting from the outer envelope and extending circumferentially around the outer envelope, a duct extending through the cover and defining a plurality of walls including side walls, and a front surface connecting to the outer envelope and to the walls of the duct. A guide runner is laterally arranged along a side wall of the duct. An opening in the front surface of the cover provides an entry for a circuit board into the duct, and the guide runner is configured to support a circuit board extending through the duct.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring moisture content of biomass is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a probe apparatus and a mechanism that inserts the probe apparatus into the biomass. The probe apparatus measures a capacitance of the biomass. In accordance with an embodiment, the probe apparatus is mounted on the mechanism. In an embodiment, the mechanism positions the probe apparatus over the biomass. According to an embodiment, the mechanism inserts the probe apparatus into the biomass as the biomass is being transported in a trailer.

Abstract: Some embodiments herein generally relate to self-clean lenses, sensor systems, and/or methods of cleaning. In some embodiments, a self-cleaning lens is provided for a sensor for monitoring a liquid.

Abstract: A failure detection system that includes an image processing unit configured to acquire a morphological image illustrating a morphology of the absorbent article after processing of the absorbent article, in each of the plurality of steps, a failure detection unit configured to detect the existence of a failure location of the absorbent article after processing, based on the morphological image acquired by the image processing unit, and an image display unit configured to display an image of the absorbent article after processing, when a failure location of the absorbent article is detected by the failure detection unit.

Abstract: A method testing physical properties of bulk powder materials uses acceleration forces induce a change in physical configuration of a powder sample. Various different properties may be determined by relationships between the applied acceleration and the associated detected change in configuration event. In various embodiments powder strength, friction angle, or other properties may be determined. Novel methods and devices are provided.

Abstract: Included are embodiments for dynamically modeling a human internal pelvic environment for product interactions. Some embodiments include creating a computational simulation of biomechanical interactions between feminine product and a pelvic region for a predetermined body type and simulating dynamic contraction of pelvic floor muscles and movement of surrounding parts of the pelvic region as would be experienced in normal use of the feminine product. Similarly, some embodiments are configured to determine, from the simulation, positional changes and effectiveness of the feminine product, determine whether the feminine product is acceptable, and in response to determining that the feminine product is not acceptable, alter a feature of the feminine product. In some embodiments, in response to determining that the feminine product is acceptable, data related to the feminine product being acceptable may be output.

Abstract: A capacitance-based moisture sensor may include a sleeve having an internal cavity, a container filled with soil or other material inserted into the internal cavity, and a pair of ring-shaped conductive bands around the exterior of the sleeve forming a capacitor and providing a frequency output. The rings positioned around a perimeter of the sleeve may be connected to a fixed inductor to form an oscillator with a variable frequency output. The sensor may be calibrated from the frequency output for each of a plurality of substances, measuring the volumetric water content for saturation of the material, and determining at least one fitting constant in an equation wherein volumetric water content is a function of the frequency output and a plurality of fitting constants.

Abstract: Electronic devices may have sensitive circuitry. To determine whether an electronic device has been exposed to excessive amounts of moisture, the electronic device may be provided with a moisture indicator. The moisture indicator may have a wicking layer of white paper and a red dye layer. If a portion of the moisture indicator is exposed to moisture, red dye may bleed into the white paper. The moisture indicator may be mounted in an input-output port opening or other portion of the electronic device where the state of the moisture indicator is visible. The moisture indicator may have sealed edges to reduce sensitivity to small amounts of moisture intrusion. Different regions of the moisture indicator may be provided with different sensitivities by forming structures that have altered moisture flow properties, by altering wicking layer thicknesses, or by otherwise spatially modifying moisture sensitivity.

Abstract: A system and method for moisture sensing and methods for making and using same. The present disclosure describes a fluid sensing array that comprises a first and second set of conducting lines with a fluid layer disposed between the first and second set of conducting lines. Proximate intersections of the sets of conducting lines define a plurality of sensing regions. Reading the plurality of sensing regions may provide for calculating a value for fluid volume present, a value for surface area where fluid is present, or a determination of the identity, class or a characteristic of a fluid present.

Abstract: In an ink jet printing apparatus of the present invention, a moisture content of a print sheet is estimated without decreasing productivity of the printing apparatus and appropriate conditions of printing operation in the subsequent printing process are specified. More specifically, by measuring a change in thickness of the print sheet after printing, a state of moisture content is estimated. Estimating a state of moisture content allows determination of appropriate conditions of printing operation such as a minimum drying time required for printing a high-quality image on various types of print sheets such as print coated paper or coated paper.

Abstract: A method for determining the moisture content in an absorbent sanitary product, in particular a diaper, incontinence pad or incontinence briefs, or sanitary towel, wherein liquid is first applied to the sanitary product under preferably predetermined conditions and subsequently the article is spread out in a planar fashion. A plurality of zoned measurement areas is defined over the planar extension of the spread-out sanitary article, and a measured value is taken in each measurement area or with respect to each measurement area.

Abstract: A system and method for quantitatively characterizing moisture content of an at least partially hydrophobic fluid sample. The method includes providing a dry solution of an aprotic solvent, adding at least a part of the fluid sample to the solvent to produce an extract-sample, performing infrared spectroscopic testing on the extract-sample to generate absorbance data representing at least one absorbance characteristic of the extracted sample, and generating moisture data for the sample based on the extracted sample data.

Abstract: To address this and/or other needs, the present inventor devised, among other things, a passive moisture detection probe that can be installed and left in place to continuously indicate whether the moisture-content in the wall-cavity of a building is below or above a desirable level. One exemplary moisture detection assembly includes a moisture-absorbent sensor element and an indicator. The sensor element, which can be placed in contact with the inner surface of a home's exterior sheathing, expands and contracts in response to the moisture content of the sheathing. The indicator, for example a rod, moves in responsive to the expansion and contraction of the sensor element, with its relative position corresponding to the moisture in the exterior sheathing and thus providing an on-going and observable sign of moisture intrusion.

Abstract: The patent application is directed to a moisture indicator that reversibly changes between two different colors depending on whether the moisture indicator is in a wet state or in a dry state. The moisture indicator is used to provide visual information about dryness/wetness of a substrate such as plant soil. The moisture indicator comprises a porous body member having a moisture indicating color and a moisture indicating material over the moisture indicating color. Water passed through the porous material activates the moisture indicating material from a dry opaque state to a transparent clear state. In the transparent clear state, the moisture indicating material reveals the moisture indicating color.

Abstract: A resonance frequency shift amount ?f and a peak level change amount ?P are measured using a microwave resonator, V1 and V2 are obtained based on V1=(?f·??2/Kf??P·??2/Kp)/(??1·??2???1·??2), and V2=(?f·??1/Kf??P·??1/Kp)/(??1·??2???1·??2), and an absolute dry basis weight and a moisture amount are obtained based on absolute dry basis weight=?·V1, and moisture amount=?·V2. For the constants Kf, Kp, ??1, ??2, ??1 and ??2, the constants ??1, ??2, ??1 and ??2 are determined so that the variance values of Kf and Kp are smaller than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A moisture sensing device having an elongated chute with an open top and a gate at the bottom. The gate is connected to an actuator for opening and closing the gate. A proximity sensor is mounted to the chute adjacent the gate to detect whether the gate is open or closed. Connected to and extending into the chute is a moisture sensor. The moisture sensor, proximity sensor, and actuator are all connected to a controller.

Abstract: A porous medium sensor comprises: a sensing portion, a gas exchange tubing, a gas permeable protection sleeve, and a water impermeable distal end collar. The sensing portion is at least partially insertable in a porous medium and has a housing with a gas exchange aperture defined therein and a parameter sensor mounted in the housing for measuring a parameter of the porous medium in which the sensing portion is insertable. The gas exchange tubing is in gas communication with the gas exchange aperture of the sensor portion and has a water-repellent membrane inserted therein. The water-repellent membrane prevents water infiltration in the housing through the gas exchange aperture. The gas permeable protection sleeve covers at least a section of the gas exchange tubing. The water impermeable distal end collar covers a distal end of the gas permeable protective sleeve and the water-repellent membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mopping device (1) having a mop plate (2), or which a mop cover (3) can be fastened in a replaceable manner, wherein a measuring device (4) for detecting the residual moisture present in the mop cover (3) is integrated in the mop plate (2).

Abstract: Apparatuses include a base, a linear beam of paper material connected to the base, and an adhesive surface connected to the base adjacent the linear beam. In its un-deformed state, the linear beam is straight and elongated. A coating (e.g., a flexible moisture barrier) covers only a second side along the length of the linear beam (and does not cover a first side). The adhesive surface is a contact self-adhesive. The linear beam develops a curvature toward the adhesive surface from exposure to an atmospheric excessive moisture level above a previously established moisture level. A sufficient amount of curvature causes the linear beam to contact the adhesive surface, and the linear beam remains permanently attached to the adhesive surface after contacting the adhesive surface, thereby indicating that at some point the previously established moisture level has been exceeded.