Abstract: A system for measuring moisture content in a porous material uses a microprocessor. The sample of material is placed on a load cell which provides an output to an analog-to-digital converter. The analog-to-digital converter provides a digital input for the microprocessor. The microprocessor is capable of providing an output indicative of the moisture content as a wet basis or a dry basis output. The system provides a highly accurate measurement of the moisture content while minimizing operator errors.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the diffusive resistance of plant stomata includes a cup adapted to be sealingly clamped to a plant leaf being tested to define an enclosed air volume in the cap adjacent the surface of the leaf. A humidity sensor in the cup provides a signal indicative of the humidity of the air in the cup. Control means are provided to receive the output signal from the humidity sensor and are operative to start a counter at a lower set humidity value and to stop the counter at an upper set humidity value thereby to time the rise in humidity between the lower and upper values. Drying means for drying the air within the cup down to a value below the lower set humidity value after each measurement cycle are provided. The control means are adjustable to vary the lower or upper set humidity value and to vary the difference between the lower and upper set humidity values.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing soils by measuring the rate of moisture loss from soil or sediment samples is disclosed, comprising a test chamber, a fan, a heater-thermostat, a chilled water humidity control device, an automatic balance scale connected to a continuous chart recorder, a shield around the balance pan, and a magnetic damper for the balance pan. The heater-thermostat maintains a constant temperature within the chamber, while the chilled water humidity control device maintains a constant relative humidity. The fan circulates air in the chamber, and the magnetic damper and shield around the balance pan allows the soil sample to be weighed without air currents causing the balance pan to vibrate. The balance scale continually weighs the sample, with the weight being recorded on the chart recorder, thus providing a record of the rate of moisture loss. A bell jar allows the testing to be done under vacuum conditions.The method of this invention comprises the steps of:1.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring water in cow's milk. Sample milk is heated and dryed by microwaves in an oven made of a microwave waveguide. Weights of the sample before and after the drying of the sample are measured by an automatic balance. Weight signals obtained from the balance are memorized in a memory circuit to calculate the solid material ratio or water ratio of the sample milk. A water dummy is employed for stabilizing oven temperature. Support means for one or more additional sample plates may be arranged in the waveguide for preliminary drying of one or more filter paper in the additional sample plate to shorten the subsequent heating time of the sample milk.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in determining the moisture content of fodder, more particularly ensilage, by subjecting a given weight of ensilage to a predetermined pressure to force moisture from the ensilage. The apparatus includes a hollow cylinder which is removably supported on a bottom plate, which plate is in turn removably mounted on a base. A plurality of small diameter openings are formed in the walls of the cylinder and through the hollow plate. These openings provide passages through which liquid forced out of the fodder can escape from the cylinder. A piston which is free to move within the hollow cylinder is operatively connected to a source of power to apply pressure to the ensilage placed in the cylinder between the piston and the bottom plate.

Abstract: A simple, rugged and inexpensive apparatus is provided by which the moisture content of any grain crop, various types of forage crops such as hay and straw, and the like, may be determined. The apparatus is portable, requires very little maintenance, and is as accurate as it is reliable. A crop sample of harvested material is placed in a confined zone through which warm air at a predetermined temperature is blown for a preselected period of time. The weight loss in moisture is observed and directly correlated to the remaining moisture content in the material.

Abstract: Improvement for a device for the rapid measuring of the degree of humidity of substances comprising a diffuser intended for passing hot air produced in a stove or an oven through these substances, the said substances being contained in a cup, whose bottom is permeable to air and in which the desiccating of the substances under the action of the passing of the hot air is effected. The diffuser used is characterized in that it is constituted by a nozzle comprising a first diaphragm arranged on the same side as the oven and a second diaphragm arranged on the same side as the cup.