Abstract: An apparatus is configured to measure various properties of sample in a sample chamber such as, for example, water activity. The apparatus includes a tunable diode laser that emits laser radiation into the sealed chamber without passing through the air outside the sample chamber or a wall of the sample chamber. The laser radiation only passes through the gaseous mixture in the sample chamber. A temperature sensor such as an infrared thermometer is positioned to measure the temperature of a sample in the sample chamber. The apparatus may be configured to include a plurality of sample containers each of which includes a sealed sample chamber. The sample containers may be automatically fed through the apparatus and analyzed with the tunable diode laser without any operator input or interaction.

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 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 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 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: A sensor to detect the presence of water or moisture in bulk materials includes a standard circuit board and a three element transmission line. The sensor electronics include an oscillator responsive to a direct current voltage supply which provides a square wave voltage signal. The sensor electronics further include a phase detector which detects the difference in phase between the reference square wave voltage signal and a signal provided to the transmission line buried in a medium. The phase difference is proportional to the dielectric constant of the medium surrounding the transmission line.

Abstract: A dew point temperature measuring apparatus and method, which may be used to determine water activity, includes a chamber in which a sample of air is measured, an air circulation device positioned within the chamber, a sensor to measure the sample temperature, a relative humidity sensor, and a diverter for causing air circulating within the chamber to directly impinge the relative humidity sensor. Another embodiment involves mounting an air circulation device within the chamber such that it forces air inside the chamber to impinge directly upon the relative humidity sensor to reduce boundary layer resistance. Still another embodiment of the invention involves utilizing a temperature control device to control the temperature of interior surfaces within the chamber at a temperature higher than the sample of air within the chamber.

Abstract: A laser scanning apparatus includes generally a handle assembly, a staff segment, a scanner section, and a base. The scanner section includes a scanner assembly which rotates and causes a beam of laser light projected onto a reflector to move in a generally upward spiral path to scan a conical section to detect and measure objects surrounding the laser scanning apparatus.