Patents by Inventor Percy E. Skaling

Percy E. Skaling has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20080271521
    Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a tensiometer apparatus and process that employs novel techniques for performing the required routine service operation of refilling a sealable measurement chamber of the apparatus with liquid from a reservoir using a novel, piston-type, “jet-action” plunger mechanism. These novel techniques result in a tensiometer which is easier to use, requires no tools for assembly or replacement of parts, and is easier and lower cost to manufacture and maintain. These novel techniques also result in a tensiometer which has improved measurement sensitivity and accuracy, higher reliability and a longer operating lifetime than conventional tensiometers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: Soilmoisture Equipment Corp.
    Inventors: Whitney Skaling, Percy E. Skaling
  • Patent number: 5646537
    Abstract: A waveguide assembly adapted for use with a time domain reflectrometry device for use in measuring the moisture content in soils and other mediums. A waveguide assembly comprised of a plurality of waveguide conductors (probes) for insertion into the soil are connected to a coaxial cable. An electronic stepped pulse travels through the coaxial cable and, due to an impedance mismatch where the coaxial cable and the waveguide assembly are joined, a downgoing beginning reference wave or reflection is produced. The beginning reference wave provides a starting point for measuring the accumulated time delay as the electronic pulse continues to travel through the waveguide assembly. An ending reflection wave is created as the electronic pulse reaches the end of the waveguide assembly and transmits into the surrounding soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Soilmoisture Equipment Corp.
    Inventors: Whitney Skaling, Percy E. Skaling
  • Patent number: 5420517
    Abstract: A waveguide assembly adapted for use with a time domain reflectrometry device for use in measuring the moisture content in soils and other mediums. A waveguide assembly comprised of a plurality of waveguide conductors (probes) for insertion into the soil are connected to a coaxial cable. An electronic stepped pulse travels through the coaxial cable and, due to an impedance mismatch where the coaxial cable and the waveguide assembly are joined, a downgoing beginning reference wave or reflection is produced. The beginning reference wave provides a starting point for measuring the accumulated time delay as the electronic pulse continues to travel through the waveguide assembly. An ending reflection wave is created as the electronic pulse reaches the end of the waveguide assembly and transmits into the surrounding soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Soilmoisture Equipment Corp.
    Inventors: Whitney Skaling, Percy E. Skaling
  • Patent number: 4068525
    Abstract: A portable tensiometer for measuring the moisture content of soil, including an elongated housing tube having a hollow porous tip mounted thereon for insertion in the soil, and a hollow handle element having a vacuum gauge secured to one end and a cylinder defining a chamber of adjustable volume at the other end. Capillary tubing, which connects the interior of the porous tip to the adjustable-volume chamber and to the vacuum gauge to form a sealed, normally water-filled system, and the use of a minimal volume of water in the instrument minimizes errors due to changes in temperature to which the instrument is subjected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1978
    Assignee: Soilmoisture Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Percy E. Skaling