Patents by Inventor Peter R. Robichaud

Peter R. Robichaud 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).

  • Method for the measurement of forest duff moisture content
    Patent number: 6078181
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for the moisture content measurement of compressible materials using pressure to firmly hold surface probes against the material to be measured. The apparatus uses moisture measurement circuitry employed in frequency domain impedance or time domain reflectometry devices to obtain moisture content readings from materials. These moisture content readings are based on the apparent dielectric constant of the measured material. Subsurface air voids or gaps found in loose, layered materials undesirably influence moisture measurement readings by reducing the apparent dielectric constant of the measured material. Pressure is supplied through the apparatus to the material in the proximity of the surface probes, thereby reducing air voids to enhance measurement accuracy. The apparatus and method are especially useful for compressible organic materials such as forest duff, hay and soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Peter R. Robichaud, Roger D. Hungerford, David S. Gasvoda
  • Apparatus and method for the measurement of forest duff moisture content
    Patent number: 5920195
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for the moisture content measurement of compressible materials using pressure to firmly hold surface probes against the material to be measured. The apparatus uses moisture measurement circuitry employed in frequency domain impedance or time domain reflectometry devices to obtain moisture content readings from materials. These moisture content readings are based on the apparent dielectric constant of the measured material. Subsurface air voids or gaps found in loose, layered materials undesirably influence moisture measurement readings by reducing the apparent dielectric constant of the measured material. Pressure is supplied through the apparatus to the material in the proximity of the surface probes, thereby reducing air voids to enhance measurement accuracy. The apparatus and method are especially useful for compressible organic materials such as forest duff, hay and soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Peter R. Robichaud, Roger D. Hungerford, David S. Gasvoda