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 material analyzing apparatus and associated method for analyzing. The apparatus comprises an analyzer body that contains a generally insulative material casing; a material analyzing circuitry that includes a transmitter, a receiver, and a control; an antenna system that includes a transmitting antenna, a receiving antenna, and a ground layer; a coupling structure that couples the antenna system to the material analyzing circuitry. The transmitter of the material analyzing circuitry generates a electromagnetic wave signal that is adapted to be sent by the transmitting antenna and directed into the material to be analyzed. The receiving antenna receiving any returned signal from the material and send the returned signal to the receiver and control. The control then analyzes the signal for material characteristics, including at least one of density, material segregation, and moisture.