Abstract: A high precision weighing system and weighing method has a weighing plate and weighing unit separation mechanism and a weight loading mechanism. The weighing plate and weighing unit separation mechanism controls separation of a weighing plate and a weighing unit, so that the weighing plate or the weighing plate and its carried material do not apply force to the weighing unit. The weight loading mechanism loads a weight onto the weighing unit or removes a weight from the weighing unit; the weighing system records a weighing value of the weighing unit during the action of the weighing plate and weighing unit separation mechanism and a sensitivity value during the action of the weight loading mechanism. The weighing system modifies the weighing value at the time of the most recent combination of the weighing plate and the weighing unit based on the recorded weighing and sensitivity values, achieving a high precision.

Abstract: In an image processing-based system for measuring moisture and light transmittance and a method for measuring moisture and light transmittance using the same, the image processing-based system includes a coating paper, a photographing box, a microscope and an RGB decision program. The coating paper is coated with coating conditions substantially same as the coating conditions for a metal material. The photographing box is configured to photograph the coating paper, to obtain a first image. The microscope is configured to photograph the coating paper, to obtain a second image. The RGB decision program is configured to obtaining an RGB value of each of the first and second images. Moisture transmittance is evaluated using the RGB value of the first image, and light transmittance is evaluated using the RGB value of the second image.

Abstract: Provided is a microorganism detection apparatus including a body, a sample accommodator module provided in the body to accommodate a sample, a beam irradiation module for irradiating a beam to the sample, a sensor module for detecting speckles generated when the beam irradiated to the sample is scattered due to motion of bacteria or microorganisms included in the sample, and a controller for controlling the beam irradiated from the beam irradiation module, and storing and analyzing images detected by the sensor module, wherein the sample accommodator module includes a sample accommodation block having a sample hole capable of accommodating a container containing the sample, and a heater for supplying heat to the bacteria or microorganisms in the sample at a preset temperature.

Abstract: An instrument (10) for gravimetrically determining moisture content has a housing (20), with a weighing device (40) arranged inside. The weighing device (40) has a load receiver (60) onto which a sample (62) is placed. The housing has a lower, stationary housing part (21) and an upper, movable housing part (22), the movable housing part alternately occupying a measuring position and a loading position. In the loading position, the respective housing parts are spaced apart from each other, allowing a sample to be put on the load receiver. In the measuring position, the respective housing parts form an essentially enclosed testing compartment (30) that surrounds the load receiver. A temperature sensor (80) is arranged so that the temperature sensor is above the load receiver in the measuring position and is essentially to the side of the load receiver in the loading position.

Abstract: A low pressure and high-low temperature test box capable of controlling humidity comprises a test box body (1), a first heater (2) and a first evaporator (3) which are installed in the test box body (1), a humiture sensor (4) for detecting the humiture inside the test box body (1) and a vacuum manometer (5) for detecting the pressure inside the test box body (1) which are both installed on the test box body (1), an air circulation device (6) for circulating the air inside the test box body (1), and a humidity adjusting device (7) which is connected to the test box body (1) and used for adjusting the humidity inside the test box body (1). A vacuum pump (8) for vacuumizing the test box body (1) is also provided on the test box body (1).

Abstract: A system and method for testing contact permeation of a glove using a mannequin hand having fingers and a thumb. A hand cradle supports the mannequin hand with the palm of the hand facing away from the hand cradle. A patterned weight block applies pressure to the palm, fingers, and thumb of the hand. A weight block is placed on the patterned weight block and the whole assembly is placed in an air tight containment box. The mannequin hand is covered with a protection layer, a sorptive glove layer, and a test glove. The test glove is contaminated with the chemical of interest. Pressure is applied to the palm, fingers, and thumb of the test glove, and the contaminant that permeates through the test glove into the sorptive glove layer is collected and measured.

Abstract: A night vision goggle system includes a housing, and an eyepiece forming a back end of the housing for viewing an object of interest. An optical field-of-view (FOV) is formed through the eyepiece, where the FOV is defined by a cone having an apex formed adjacent to an exit pupil at the eyepiece and tapering outwardly toward the object of interest. A desiccant is disposed within the housing, and located outside the FOV. The desiccant is visible through the eyepiece when viewed from outside the FOV. In addition, when the eye of a user is placed within the FOV, the desiccant is not visible through the eyepiece; and when the eye of the user is placed outside the FOV, the desiccant is visible through the eyepiece.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for testing the self-drying effect of a cement-based material, capable of testing the change in humidity of the cement-based material after the final setting until the Id stage of adding water, so as to reflect the water consumption therein and the self-drying course. In the time period after the final setting of the cement-based material until the 1 d stage of adding water and forming, the dew-point temperature inside the cement-based material is tested, and then the relative humidity inside the cement-based material is calculated using a formula. The present invention can test the change in humidity of the cement-based material after the final setting until the Id stage of adding water, so as to reflect the internal water consumption therein and the self-drying course.

Abstract: Traditional porous material testing does not provide a measure of how well the porous material will perform in oil spill conditions. We disclose a new system that can analyze and determine the absorptive capability and oil-selectivity of a porous material in a moving mixture of oil and water, under different environmental conditions of pressure and wind. Our system allows the porous material under test and the mixture of oil and water to experience complex motion trajectories, and we measure the absorption capacity as well as the rate of oil absorption under different environmental conditions.

Abstract: A clog resistant wing union pressure sensor is provided that includes a transmitter housing and a flange section. The flange section is coupled to the transmitter housing and has a pressure port formed therein that includes an open first end, a closed second end, and an inner surface that defines a bore between the open first end and the closed second end. The closed second end is defined by a pressure sensitive diaphragm and has a diameter. The pressure port has a depth defined between the open first end and the closed second end, the bore is tapered between the open first end and the closed second end, and is further defined by a rounded transition between the inner surface and the closed second end, and the diameter of the closed second end is greater than twice the depth of the pressure port.

Abstract: An instrument (10) for gravimetric moisture determination has a housing (20) and a weighing device (40) arranged inside. The weighing device has a load receiver (60) onto which a sample (62) is placed. The housing has stationary (21) and movable (22) housing parts, the movable housing part alternately occupying a measuring and a loading position. wherein in the loading position the stationary housing part and the movable housing part are spaced apart from each other in such a way that a the sample can be put on the load receiver, wherein in the measuring position the respective housing parts form an essentially enclosed testing compartment (30) surrounding the load receiver (60), and wherein a sample-heating means (70) is arranged in the testing compartment to heat the sample on the load receiver. The instrument also has an electrical contact means (85) with first (86) and second parts (87).

Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for combining a soil sample and extractant in a mixing chamber to produce a liquid extractant-soil mixture. A portion of the liquid extractant-soil mixture is directed from the mixing chamber through a sample measurement chamber coupled to the mixing chamber. The sample measurement chamber is coupled to a light source so that light propagates from the light source through the portion of the liquid extractant-soil mixture to an optical detector which generates an attenuation spectrum indicating light received by the detector at different wavelengths. The sample measurement chamber may include an attenuation cell having a specified optical path between a first measurement window and a second measurement window and angular surface directing particulates in the liquid extractant-soil mixture away from the attenuation cell.

Abstract: Described herein are a device and method for measuring the wetting characteristics of a liquid on a surface of a material by depositing a volume of liquid on the surface of the material, imparting kinetic energy to the liquid, and obtaining information about the geometry of the volume of the liquid on the surface. The device includes a liquid dispensing component, a kinetic energy imparting component, a position determining component, and a data generating component.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for detecting fastener loosening. Sensors query a structure at a baseline value of an environment variable, such as temperature, and this baseline signal is stored for later use. Subsequently, users can query the structure remotely and at any time, and the signals from these queries are compared to the stored baseline signal. In some embodiments, an index is calculated, and the system determines that one or more fasteners have come loose if the calculated index exceeds a predetermined threshold value. It is desirable to select a time window within which the query signal is most sensitive to fastener loosening but least sensitive to variations in the environment variable. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention include methods and apparatuses for determining an optimal time window for use in calculating the above described index.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring the moisture and sediment content of a sample. In one embodiment, a sample to be tested is collected in a field bottle. The sample from the field bottle is then transferred from the field bottle, and into and through an analysis bottle containing a desiccant material. As the sample is being pulled through the analysis bottle, a microwave measurement system (or other scattering parameter measuring system) is used to measure the effects of the sample on the scattering parameters of the desiccant material. By measuring the effects of the sample on the scattering parameters of the desiccant material, the sample's moisture content can be determined. The sample's moisture can also be determined by measuring the expanded volume of the desiccant. A filter section having a sight glass with graduations is used to determine the sediment content of the sample.

Abstract: A measuring instrument for the gravimetric determination of moisture has a housing with a test compartment arranged in the housing, as well as a weighing device installed in the housing. The weighing device includes a sample receiver that is disposed inside the test compartment when in the measuring position. A radiation source arranged in the test compartment which during a test process serves to heat the sample placed on the sample receiver. A suction device, arranged adjacent to the test compartment, remove moisture and any other volatiles given off by the sample during the measurement process providing a more stable flow pattern in the test compartment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring the moisture and sediment content of a sample. In one embodiment, a sample to be tested is collected in a field bottle. The sample from the field bottle is then transferred from the field bottle, and into and through an analysis bottle containing a desiccant material. As the sample is being pulled through the analysis bottle, a microwave measurement system (or other scattering parameter measuring system) is used to measure the effects of the sample on the scattering parameters of the desiccant material. By measuring the effects of the sample on the scattering parameters of the desiccant material, the sample's moisture content can be determined. The sample's moisture can also be determined by measuring the expanded volume of the desiccant. A filter section having a sight glass with graduations is used to determine the sediment content of the sample.

Abstract: A method and equipment for measuring vapour flux from a surface (10) e.g. the rate of water loss from human skin, which is useful in the evaluation of the efficiency of the skin/water barrier. It uses a closed cylinder (12), which is placed against the skin and by measuring the temperature and relative humidity within the cylinder by means of sensors (13, 14) positioned adjacent the wall of the cylinder, the water vapour flux can be determined.

Abstract: An instrument for gravimetrically determining the moisture content of a sample has a housing with a weighing device therein. The weighing device has a load-receiving portion and a sample receiver, the latter designed for connection to the load-receiving portion. The housing also contains a test compartment. When set in position to perform a measurement, the sample receiver is disposed inside the test compartment. One embodiment of a means arranged in the test compartment for heating a sample placed on the sample receiver has first and second radiation sources, with the sample receiver arranged therebetween.

Abstract: A measuring instrument for gravimetric moisture determination of a sample includes a radiator, a weighing cell, and a sample receiver which can be connected to the weighing cell. The sample receiver is configured to allow the sample to be placed on or removed from the sample receiver. The radiator has a radiation-releasing surface directed at the sample and that covers substantially the entire surface of the sample with a uniform radiation intensity. The radiator is arranged above the sample, relative to the direction of the load, and spans over the entire sample. The measuring instrument also includes a means for removing the moisture emitted from the sample during the operation of the instrument device from the space between the sample and the radiation-releasing surface.

Abstract: An instrument and associated method are disclosed for the loss-on-drying determination of the volatile content of a wide variety of samples.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to determine water activity and weight of a sample. The apparatus may comprise a chamber configured to at least partially enclose a sample. The apparatus may also comprise a sensor configured to measure water activity of a sample in the chamber. Additionally, the apparatus may comprise a moisture content adjustment device connected to the chamber and configured to change moisture content in the chamber. An isotherm generation module is also disclosed. The isotherm generation module may be configured to receive water activity measurements from a sensor device and weight measurements from a weighing device, the isotherm generation module being configured to generate an isotherm for a sample based on the water activity measurements and the weight measurements.

Abstract: An Indicator that visually signals when it is time to start and stop watering by the Indicator's ability to distinctively change it's relative physical size and/or shape as it takes on and releases the water.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring the moisture and sediment content of a petroleum sample. In one embodiment, a sample to be tested is collected in a field bottle. The sample from the field bottle is then transferred from the field bottle, and into and through a measurement column containing a high-uptake gelling agent, such as a superabsorbent polymer. The sample's moisture is determined by measuring the expanded volume of the high-uptake gelling agent. The measurement column also contains a sediment measurement section having a sediment filter and a sight glass with graduations to measure the sediment content of the sample.

Abstract: A transplanar liquid transport tester for fabrics, comprising: a liquid reservoir; a liquid-permeable support member having a first surface for supporting a fabric test sample, and a second surface for interfacing with liquid in the liquid reservoir; and means for maintaining a constant hydrostatic pressure in the liquid reservoir at the second surface of the support member for replenishing liquid through the support member to the first surface during testing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring the moisture and sediment content of a petroleum sample. In one embodiment, a sample to be tested is collected in a field bottle. The sample from the field bottle is then transferred from the field bottle, and into and through a measurement column containing a high-uptake gelling agent, such as a superabsorbent polymer. The sample's moisture is determined by measuring the expanded volume of the high-uptake gelling agent. The measurement column also contains a sediment measurement section having a sediment filter and a sight glass with graduations to measure the sediment content of the sample.

Abstract: A measuring instrument for the gravimetric determination of moisture has a housing with a test compartment arranged in the housing, as well as a weighing device installed in the housing. The weighing device includes a sample receiver that is disposed inside the test compartment when in the measuring position. A radiation source arranged in the test compartment which during a test process serves to heat the sample placed on the sample receiver. A suction device, arranged adjacent to the test compartment, remove moisture and any other volatiles given off by the sample during the measurement process providing a more stable flow pattern in the test compartment.

Abstract: An instrument for gravimetrically determining the moisture content of a sample has a housing with a weighing device therein. The weighing device has a load-receiving portion and a sample receiver, the latter designed for connection to the load-receiving portion. The housing also contains a test compartment. When set in position to perform a measurement, the sample receiver is disposed inside the test compartment. One embodiment of a means arranged in the test compartment for heating a sample placed on the sample receiver has first and second radiation sources, with the sample receiver arranged therebetween.

Abstract: Techniques for monitoring thermal emissivity levels of human traffic within a plurality of sections of a zone of interest are presented. The thermal emissivity levels are monitored using an infrared detector with sensitivity range of less than fifty milliKelvin, and in some variations, about fifteen to thirty milliKelvin, such as a quantum well infrared photodetector (QWIP) equipped camera. Based on differential emissivity calculations, a determination is made whether the monitored emissivity level corresponds to at least one calibrated emissivity level associated with an explosive material. The monitored emissivity levels are calibrated to eliminate the effects of other synthetic objects such as clothing, personal items, and other harmless objects. The monitored emissivity levels are also buffered against changes in environmental factors.

Abstract: A gravimetric moisture-determination instrument which is cooled by an air stream includes a housing containing a balance and a radiant heater. The moisture content of a sample placed on the balance pan is determined by measuring the weight loss of the sample while it is being dried under the heater. The gravimetric moisture-determination instrument further includes a heat source located above the balance for heating the sample in order to evaporate the moisture from the sample, so that the moisture content can be determined from the weight loss of the sample. Between the heat source and the weighing cell of the balance, the instrument contains a device for conducting an air stream.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for measuring elastic modulus of a sample object. This invention also relates to a method for correcting creep effects in the modulus measurement. The error due to creep in the apparent contact compliance is equal to the ratio of the indenter displacement rate at the end of the load hold to the unloading rate. Determination of this error term and deduction of it from the measured contact compliance can be easily done at a low cost by modifying the data analysis software in any commercial depth-sensing indentation system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing ultralow moisture permeation through a sample such as a thin barrier film by exposing one surface of a sample to be tested for moisture permeation to a predetermined humidity of HTO. The HTO permeating therethrough is collected in a stream of dry gas, preferably methane, at a known flow rate, and monitored for its radioactivity content. Monitoring over a period of time and appropriate conversion allows accurate assessment of even permeation rates measured as very low fractions of a gram of water per square meter per day.

Abstract: A gravimetric moisture-determination instrument which is cooled by an air stream includes a housing containing a balance and a radiant heater. The moisture content of a sample placed on the balance pan is determined by measuring the weight loss of the sample while it is being dried under the heater. The gravimetric moisture-determination instrument further includes a heat source located above the balance for heating the sample in order to evaporate the moisture from the sample, so that the moisture content can be determined from the weight loss of the sample. Between the heat source and the weighing cell of the balance, the instrument contains a device for conducting an air stream.

Abstract: A pressure plate extractor for testing of soils and other porous solids has a pressure chamber defined by pressure chamber sidewalls resting above a pressure chamber base. A drain plate is situated on the pressure chamber base with its bounding edge surrounded by a seal and situated inwardly from the pressure chamber sidewalls, which rest atop the seal. When the pressure chamber sidewalls are urged towards the pressure chamber base, thereby compressing the seal and preventing air from passing between the pressure chamber sidewalls and pressure chamber base, the seal laterally expands to firmly engage the bounding edge of the drain plate, thereby preventing air from passing between the pressure chamber sidewalls and the drain plate. A substantially leak-free pressure chamber results, with low probability of drain plate failure because the pressure chamber sidewalls do not bear directly upon it.

Abstract: A continuous flow moisture analyzer (20) includes a coaxial needle (34) having first and second needle portions (36, 38). The first needle portion (36) receives a carrier gas (24) and expels the carrier gas (24) through an output orifice (60). The second needle portion (38) has an input orifice (62) for receiving the carrier gas (24) expelled from the output orifice (60). A housing (40) encloses the output orifice (60) and the input orifice (62) when the moisture analyzer (20) is in a standby mode to obtain a baseline moisture content of the carrier gas (24) within the moisture analyzer (20). A bottle (48) retains a sample material (50). When the analyzer (20) is in an active mode, the coaxial needle (34) penetrates a septum (52) of the bottle (48) to position the output and input orifices (60, 62) in the bottle (48). The carrier gas (24), expelled from the output orifice (60), absorbs moisture from the sample material (50) in the bottle (48).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the saturated, surface dry (SSD) condition point of aggregates includes warm air-drying of a water saturated aggregate sample of known initial weight. The sample is rotated in an open mesh screened drum, and heated ambient air is passed radially through the drum and the sample to remove water. Initially surface water is removed, followed by pore water. The loss in water weight and the exit air relative humidity (EAH) is tracked by sensors and recorded. The EAH values change significantly at the SSD point. Following SSD point determination, the test procedure continues until all free water is removed from the sample to determine total moisture content of the sample.

Abstract: A continuous flow moisture analyzer (20) includes a coaxial needle (34) having first and second needle portions (36, 38). The first needle portion (36) receives a carrier gas (24) and expels the carrier gas (24) through an output orifice (60). The second needle portion (38) has an input orifice (62) for receiving the carrier gas (24) expelled from the output orifice (60). A housing (40) encloses the output orifice (60) and the input orifice (62) when the moisture analyzer (20) is in a standby mode to obtain a baseline moisture content of the carrier gas (24) within the moisture analyzer (20). A bottle (48) retains a sample material (50). When the analyzer (20) is in an active mode, the coaxial needle (34) penetrates a septum (52) of the bottle (48) to position the output and input orifices (60, 62) in the bottle (48). The carrier gas (24), expelled from the output orifice (60), absorbs moisture from the sample material (50) in the bottle (48).

Abstract: A method of measuring the liquid retention of absorbent articles (20) of the kind that includes an absorbent body having a top side which lies proximal to the wearer's skin when the article is worn, and a bottom side which is covered by a liquid-impermeable backing sheet, wherein the method comprises the steps of applying a determined amount of liquid to a region on the top side of the article, urging a pressure body (1) against a region of the top side of the article with a given force, and collecting and measuring the amount of liquid pressed out from the top side of the article. The force with which the pressure body (1) is pressed against the top side of the article, is set selectively on a device (2-4) for pressing the pressure body against the top side of the article (20), and the liquid pressed from the top side of the article is transported to a measuring vessel (15) with the aid of sub-pressure.

Abstract: An on-line moisture analyzer and method of analyzing the moisture content of an ore concentrate. A sample conveyor moves a sample of the concentrate to be analyzed to an aluminum pan that receives and holds the sample of the concentrate. A horizontal linear slide having a pneumatic vertical lift mounted to rotary arm is detachably connected to the aluminum pan by gripping fingers that detachably engage the pan. A scale is accessible by the conveyance member for weighing the sample. An oven also accessible by the conveyance member has a door that has a complimentary shape relative to a cross section of the sample container and conveyance member is used for heating the sample. A programmable logic controller controls the conveyance member and the oven door. A data processing unit receives data from the scale and determines a moisture content based on the data.

Abstract: A method and equipment for measuring vapor flux from a surface e.g. the rate of water loss from human skin which is useful in the evaluation of the efficiency of the skin/water barrier uses a closed cylinder which is placed with the open end against the skin and the closed end is cooled. By measuring the temperature and relative humidity within the cylinder the water vapor flux can be determined.

Abstract: A volatiles analyzer is disclosed that includes a source of microwave radiation that can selectively produce at least one predetermined frequency of microwave radiation. A cavity is in communication with the source. The analyzer includes an analytical pan balance with at least its balance pan in the cavity. The walls of the cavity form a polyhedron that focuses microwave energy of the predetermined frequency on the balance pan while supporting a plurality of TM and TE modes in the cavity.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for obtaining accurate sample weight measurements during sample heating within a heating cavity by substantially reducing the convection currents that disrupt accurate sample weight measurement. The apparatus includes a heating cavity in which a sample can be placed, a source for introducing microwaves into the heating cavity, and an analytical balance for measuring the weight of the sample while the sample is in the cavity, and an air shield that is secured to the inside of the heating cavity so that the air shield will not contact the analytical balance. The air shield, which is made of material that is permeable to microwave radiation and yet absorbent of volatiles, is positioned in the heating cavity to reduce the convection current rising from the sample as the sample is heated.

Abstract: A moisture level indicator system is provided including a base and at least one weight sensor positioned on the base for determining a current weight supported thereon. Also included is a reset push switch mounted on the base and adapted to generate a reset signal. Next provided is a processor positioned within the base for recording a predetermined set weight on the base that is received via the weight sensor upon the receipt of the reset signal. The processor is further adapted to provide an indication of a difference between the predetermined set weight and a current weight supported on the base.

Abstract: An electronic weighing machine for a moisture meter not only measures the amount of moisture in the test sample, but also measures the mass of the test sample itself. In addition, the present invention is related to a heat drying type moisture meter, a filter for the moisture meter and a moisture adsorption unit for the moisture meter. The electronic weighing machine for the moisture meter is used with the moisture meter which is equipped with a heating section for introducing the carrier gas into it and heating the test sample, a moisture adsorption section for adsorbing the vaporized moisture from the carrier gas flowing out of the heating section, and an electronic weighing section for determining the increase in mass of the moisture adsorption section. The electronic weighing section has a test sample weighing section and a section for measuring the mass of the collected vaporized moisture in the weighing arm of the electronic weighing unit.

Abstract: The invention is a method of measuring an apparent weight of a substance, while concurrently measuring a surface temperature of the substance and an ambient air temperature surrounding the substance, then predicting buoyancy forces acting upon the substance based on these temperature measurements. Thereafter, the true weight of the substance can be determined by correcting the apparent weight by the predicted buoyancy forces acting upon the substance.

Abstract: A drying scale is provided that contains a housing, a weighing system, a scale pan, a carriage, and a radiating source. The weighing system is disposed within the housing for weighing a sample, and a scale pan is operably supported by the weighing system and contains the sample to be weighed. The carriage moves between a loading position, and a radiating source is disposed within said carriage. The carriage exposes the scale pan when said carriage is in the loading position and moves the radiating source over at least part of the scale pan such that the radiates heat and dries the sample when the carriage is in the drying position. Also, the weighing system and the scale pan are fixedly disposed with respect to the housing, and the carriage and the radiating source move relative to the housing between the loading position and the drying position. In addition, a method performed by the drying scale is also provided.

Abstract: A method for measuring the moisture content in powders or other granular products or for measuring the dry matter of liquid products. The method includes the steps of placing the product on a scoop (8) and weighing it, then inserting the product on the scoop in a sealed glass tube (7), passing a dry gas stream to evacuate the product water content outside of the tube, such that the elimination step is carried out in a closed circuit independently of ambient air in the place where the product is being analyzed before measuring the drained product. The invention also relates to a measuring apparatus for implementing the method. This apparatus includes the sealed glass tube, a dry gas source, one or several sheaths or cells which house the glass tube and which are used for draining the product, gas flow regulators (2), one or several manometers (13), and a pump (14).

Abstract: A soil specimen rests on a porous support. The support may be a porous ceramic plate or other body, for instance rated at 15 bar (1,500 kPa) or greater. The plate overlies a reservoir full of water that hydraulically contacts either an elastic membrane, that is fitted with a strain gauge, or a pressure transducer. As the soil specimen dries out, water is drawn from the pore space, which decreases the amount of water surrounding the soil particles, causing an increase in the pore water tension. The tension draws water from the saturated plate and reservoir, causing a change in the output of the strain gauge or pressure transducer. The tension is transduced by the strain gauge or pressure transducer, and is continuously recorded. The entire apparatus described above may rest on a balance. As the soil dries out, and its mass is reduced, the change in mass can be measured, and from the change, the mass of the remaining soil and water can be determined.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus are disclosed for measuring volatile content of samples that are particularly suitable for samples that tend to bum when heated. The method includes the steps of applying microwave radiation at a predetermined power level to a moisture-containing sample to drive volatiles from the sample, monitoring the weight of the sample during the application of microwave power, monitoring the temperature of the sample during the application of microwave power without contacting either the sample or anything in contact with the sample, and moderating the microwave power being applied to the sample based upon the monitored temperature to maintain the temperature of the sample at or below a pre-determined set point temperature below which the sample will not bum.

Abstract: A method for determining the residual moisture content during secondary drying in the dry product of a freeze-drying process is disclosed. In order to determine the residual moisture content without interruption of the drying process is suggested that the desorption rate is measured at certain intervals (for example 10 minutes) during the secondary drying phase. A computer calculates from two or several of these measured values the time at which a desorption rate would be reached (desorption rate zero point) which would alter the desired residual moisture by only a tolerably small amount. The respective residual moisture is determined by the computer by chronological integration of desorption rates from zero point until the moment of measurement taking.