Abstract: Apparatus, methods, systems and computer program products measure at least one predetermined characteristic of an object including at least one of a surface profile, volume, and/or density of an object. The apparatus includes a support assembly for holding an object in position. A displacement measurement transducer is situated a predetermined distance from the support assembly and is configured to measure a point position on the object. At least one of the sample support assembly or the displacement measurement transducer may be moved such that the displacement measurement transducer measures a plurality of point positions on the object.

Abstract: A neutron gauge is described for determining the moisture content of a moisture containing material. Samples of the moisture containing material are confined in a sample pan and a sample cover with sufficient neutron moderating activity is pressed against the sample. The cover, sample, and sample pan are placed in the same location in the gauge with respect to the neutron source and detector for each measurement to compensate for volume variations in the sample. The sample can be weighed to compensate for density variations. The sample pan cover can include a cadmium sheet for direct contact with the sample to shield the sample from neutrons thermalized by the cover.