Patents Assigned to The Board of Regents of the University and Community College System of Nevada on behalf of the Desert Research Institute
  • Sensor system to distinguish frozen and non-frozen liquid particulates
    Patent number: 7191643
    Abstract: A sensor system comprises a first sensor, a second sensor, and circuitry. The first sensor collects non-frozen liquid with a first collection efficiency, but does not collect frozen liquid. The second sensor collects non-frozen liquid with a second collection efficiency and also collects frozen liquid. The first collection efficiency and the second collection efficiency are substantially equivalent. The circuitry maintains the first sensor and the second sensor at a substantially constant temperature. The circuitry determines a measurement of the frozen liquid based on maintaining the first sensor and the second sensor at the substantially constant temperature. In some examples, multiple sensor systems can be used in combination to improve the accuracy of the measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignees: University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, The Board of Regents of the University & Community College Systems of Nevada on behalf of Desert Research Institute
    Inventors: Roy Martin Rasmussen, John Hallett
  • Flexible probe for measuring moisture content in soil
    Patent number: 7176697
    Abstract: The embodiments of the invention are directed to a new apparatus and method of measuring the water content using time domain reflectometry (TDR), or electrical conductivity in deep soil levels. to. The method uses flat, flexible, waveguides attached to a flexible sleeve filled with a filling material which press the flexible waveguides against an irregularly shaped interior borehole wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of University and Community College System of Nevada on Behalf of the Desert Research Institute
    Inventor: Ofer Dahan
  • Wind shear inducing soil stability measuring device
    Patent number: 7155966
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring soil stability of a test surface comprising a housing defining an interior chamber, the housing having an open bottom wherein the housing is configured to be placed over the test surface proximate the open bottom. A means for generating wind shear disposed in the interior chamber, the wind shear generating means configured to generate wind shear proximate the test surface and at least one particle monitor in communication with the interior chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University and Community College System of Nevada on behalf of the Desert Research Institute
    Inventors: Vicken Etyemezian, Hampden Dwight Kuhns, Marc Lynn Pitchford, Sean Jason Ahonen, George Nikolich
  • Flexible probe for measuring moisture content in soil
    Patent number: 6956381
    Abstract: The embodiments of the invention are directed to a new apparatus and method of measuring the water content using time domain reflectometry (TDR), or electrical conductivity in deep soil levels to. The method uses flat, flexible, waveguides attached to a flexible sleeve filled with a filling material which press the flexible waveguides against an irregularly shaped interior borehole wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of University and Community College System of Nevada on Behalf of the Desert Research Institute
    Inventor: Ofer Dahan