Abstract: A thin deck water property sensor includes a base, an upper lid, a positive and negative probe, an electric connection element, a processing unit and a display unit. The base and the upper lid are coupled together to form a flat deck. The upper lid has a recess to hold sample water to be tested. The positive and negative probe is extended into the recess in contact with the sample water. The electric connection element has one end connecting to the processing unit and another end coupling with a conductive elastic member. The conductive elastic member is connected to the positive and negative probe. The processing unit receives charged signals of the sample water to generate a test result which is displayed on the display unit.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring the moisture and salinity of a material is disclosed herein. The sensor preferably includes a soil moisture circuit, a soil salinity circuit and a probe structure. The soil moisture circuit includes a high frequency oscillator, a voltage meter and a reference capacitor. The soil salinity circuit includes a low frequency oscillator, a voltage meter and a reference resistor. A third voltage meter allows for voltage outputs to be measured to calculate soil moisture and soil salinity values.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of water absorption for generator stator winding insulator using a cross capacitance are disclosed. The apparatus includes a sensor using a cross capacitance, and a water absorption testing unit for carrying out the water absorption test of the insulator of the stator winding of the power generator using the sensor. The apparatus determines whether the insulator absorbs water, according to thickness, using the cross capacitance, such that inferior winding is detected, a power plant is prevented from being suddenly stopped, costs for the maintenance are reduced, and the lifespan of the power generator is extended.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide estimates of soil moisture by measuring the change in electrical conductivity near the surface of the earth using surface-propagated electromagnetic fields. A method is provided for estimating near-surface soil moisture, including measuring signals from an electromagnetic ground wave propagating between one or more receiving element locations, determining a transfer characteristic proportional to an average electrical conductivity between pairs of locations; and determining estimated soil moisture in one or more regions derived from analyzing the determined electrical conductivity between pairs of locations and a predetermined regional relationship between electrical conductivity and soil moisture.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a water content determination apparatus that can precisely determining a water content in a medium regardless of an environment where the image forming apparatus is installed. The water content determination apparatus has a detection device that outputs a first signal while the medium is absent in an electrostatic capacitance region formed in a path where the medium is conveyed and outputs a second signal while the medium is present in the electrostatic capacitance region. The temperature in the image forming apparatus is determined based on the first signal. The water content in the medium is determined based on the second signal and the temperature determined by the temperature determination device.

Abstract: A moisture sensing circuit for a clothes dryer in which clothes tumble during drying has a pair of spaced apart electrode sensors for sensing the electrical resistance of the clothes when the clothes contact the electrodes. The circuit has an active filter for suppressing noise related to the operating line frequency of the clothes dryer to provide a filtered voltage signal representative of voltage drop across the electrode sensors with the line frequency noise suppressed.

Abstract: A method for predicting long-term electrical insulation properties of composite materials in a moist environment. The method including the steps of providing a specimen, and testing the specimen to determine moisture content values and leakage current values at predetermined time intervals. The method further including the steps of determining a moisture-leakage current factor from the moisture content values and leakage current values, and using the moisture-leakage current factor to determine electrical insulation properties of the specimen.

Abstract: A 3D liquid detection sensor, liquid-sensitive building material, and liquid detection systems have been provided. The 3D sensor comprises a 3D liquid detection field and an electrical connector to supply a resistance measurement responsive to liquid in the detection field. In one aspect, the 3D liquid detection field includes a first plurality of pins having a distal end electrically connected to a first electrical contact of the electrical connector, and a second plurality of pins having a distal end electrically connected to a second electrical contact. In one aspect, each pin includes a building material attachment barb attached to a pin proximal end. This permits the sensor to be fixedly mounted in drywall or ceiling tile, for example. More specifically, the 3D detection field may include a dielectric sheet (either rigid or flexible), and electrically conductive traces formed overlying the dielectric sheet, with pins extending from the traces.

Abstract: A windscreen wiper device comprising an oscillating arm and a frame connected thereto for receiving a wiper blade, which device includes a life span indicator, characterized in that said indicator is sensitive to water. The indicator can change its color in dependence on the length of time during which the indicator has-been exposed to water.

Abstract: A method is provided for calibrating a moisture meter to a particular settable slurry product for determining the relative dryness of the product. The steps of the method include determining the appropriate relative dryness of the particular slurry product, associating a moisture meter reading with the appropriate relative dryness to achieve a meter value, determining the relative spacing of the meter from a conductive surface for obtaining the associated meter value and providing a spacer having the relative spacing for calibrating subsequent meters for measuring the relative dryness of the settable slurry product.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing skin moisture including a casing, a fixed base at the front end of the casing, at least one through hole on the fixed base, a hollow cylindrical metal electrode with a closed end passing through the through hole, and an electrically conductive elastic member in the electrode. The elastic member pressing between the electrode on a first end and is fixed to the casing at a second end. The casing has a correction resistor coupled in parallel with the elastic member. The correction resistor is coupled to a micro alternate current generator, and an alternate current resistance measuring circuit is coupled to a CPU single-chip microprocessor. A measured value of resistance is compared with a predetermined value stored in a memory by a CPU single-chip microprocessor, the result of the comparison is displayed by a display device.

Abstract: Sheetmaking processes such as papermaking making systems employ water weight sensors underneath the moving water permeable wire that supports the wet stock (pulp slurry). A dynamically compensated calibration equation that equates the water weight plus fiber weight plus wire weight (total weight) to the resistance measured by the water weight sensor is developed for controlling the continuous process. Dynamic compensation accounts for changing papermaking machine conditions or states that affect the intrinsic conductivity of the wet stock being measured. The amount of correction to apply is determined by the conductance measured by a reference sensor.

Abstract: The invention provides a sensor for monitoring an environmental parameter in concrete including an enclosure; a detecting device connected to the enclosure for a detecting at least one environmental parameter in concrete, wherein the detecting device includes at least one capacitive element; an active material connected to the enclosure, wherein the active material is liable to respond to the environmental parameter and is operably connected to the capacitive element; a RFID chip mounted within the enclosure and operably connected to the detecting device; and an antenna operably connected to the RFID chip and the detecting device, wherein the antenna is part of an L-R-C circuit whose resonance frequency shifts within an assigned frequency band. The invention also provides a MEMS-based capacitive element that responds to an environmental parameter in concrete. The invention further provides a method of forming a MEMS-based capacitive element.

Abstract: In a method of determining air humidity, a capacitive moisture measuring element (2) used in a moisture sensor for calculation operations is modelled by a parallel circuit of an ideal capacitor (C) and an ohmic resistance (Rp). Charging and/or discharging of the capacitive moisture measuring element (2) by way of a first measuring resistor (R1; RA) provides for ascertaining a first time constant or a first period duration of the charging and/or discharging operation, and charging and/or discharging of the moisture measuring element (2) by way of a second measuring resistor (R2; RA//R) provides for ascertaining a second one. The capacitance (C) of the moisture measuring element (2) is then calculated from the two time constants or the two period durations, a value for the moisture level finally being ascertained from the capacitance. This method achieves a higher level of measuring accuracy on the part of the moisture sensor.

Abstract: An electric conductivity water probe consisting of a test chamber having a wall, a fluids input/output port, and a water input port, the wall having a first and at least a second wall section, the first and at least second wall sections being electrically isolated from each other by an electrical insulator; and a valve connected operatively to the fluids input/output port, the valve being adapted for alternately and permitting and resisting flows of fluids through the fluids port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dryness measuring device, and more particularly the dryness measuring device for sensing a dryness status of laundry in drying. The present invention is to provide an electrode sensor for sensing the dryness status of the laundry and measuring a current dryness status by a variance of a voltage which is charged in capacitor based on a variance of resistance of the electrode sensor. And, the present invention minimizes outside effect by discharging of the charged voltage of the capacitor by designated periods.

Abstract: A grain moisture sensing system having an excitation signal source for producing an excitation signal. A sensor cell having a driven plate and a sense plate that applies to the excitation signal for captive measurement between the driven plate and the sense plate to produce a current at the sense plate. Connected to the excitation source is a first synchronous detector and connected to the sense plate is a second synchronous detector.

Abstract: The object of the Electrical Density Gauge (EDG) invention is to provide a low cost, portable, non-nuclear, and rugged field-use device that measures dry density in soils that have been constructed for use as road-beds and building foundations. This data is used to ensure the quality control of the constructed foundation. The electrical properties of soil are measured at a radio frequency using probes driven into the soil. To calibrate EDG, certain algorithms of these electrical properties are related to physically measured wet densities and unit weights of water for a plurality of calibration test spots. Correlation regressions are found, that are used to convert values of the electrical properties measured at unknown field test spots into values of dry density.

Abstract: A protective device includes a signal input intended for connection to a sensor, a signal output intended for connection to an evaluation unit, and an isolation element for galvanically separating the signal input from the signal output. The provision of the protective device prevents a transmission of overvoltages from the sensor to the evaluating unit.

Abstract: A breathable moisture barrier suitable for use in enclosing flexible electrodes, foam substrate and other electrical components within a substantially liquid impervious environment without significantly impairing the ability of electrical sensors to accurately measure temperature and humidity variations within the surrounding environment such as the seating compartment of an automobile. It is further disclosed that a breathable polymeric material having a sufficiently high moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) will permit water vapor to be transported across the barrier and quickly reach equilibrium within the enclosed seat sensor mat assembly and to allow the humidity compensation of the occupant sensing system to function correctly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining whether or not moisture appeared in a hidden place during a period T, the method comprising: (i) introducing to the hidden place a moisture sensitive element; the moisture sensitive element comprising: a) a dielectric substrate coated or impregnated with an intrinsically conducting polymer and b) probes connecting the substrate to a resistance meter; (ii) measuring and recording the electrical resistance of the substrate at two or more times during the period T; (iii) determining whether or not moisture appeared in the hidden place during the period T according to the changes in the electrical resistance of the moisture sensitive element that occurred during period T. The present invention further provides method and system for alerting against a possible appearance of corrosion in a hidden place, a moisture sensor for use in the method or system, and a method for producing a substrate comprised in such a moisture sensor.

Abstract: A directional coupler sensor is provided for measuring the moisture content of a substrate, such as hair. The sensor incorporates a high frequency directional coupler having a pair of generally parallel plates defining a coupling gap therebetween. A high frequency signal generator generates an electromagnetic field across the gap with the substrate placed across the coupling gap. The coupled power relates to the moisture content of the substrate. A pressure sensor is provided to ensure that the desired compactness of the substrate across the coupling gap is achieved to obtain accurate, reliable and consistent results.

Abstract: A tape-drive condensation sensor includes a probe with first and second spaced-apart electrodes that define a passage for air flow within a pneumatic conduit. A voltage source is coupled between the electrodes and the voltage of the source and the spacing between the electrodes are adapted to pass a current when a drop of condensation forms between the electrodes. An alarm circuit is activated by the flow of current, the alarm being adapted to signal an event of discernible condensation.

Abstract: Liquid conductivity and temperature are measured in respective sensitivity fields that are collocated—i. e., in volumes that nearly match by mathematical, geometrical, or functional criteria. Collocation is as distinct from mere adjacency or proximity; and is with respect to measurement volumes, not measuring hardware. Preferably pressure too is measured with sensitivity very generally collocated to the conductivity and temperature sensitivity. Preferably, respective temporal/spatial bandwidths of the two (or three) sensors are matched. Preferably the pressure sensor is a MEMS transducer, the conductivity sensor is a four-terminal device, the thermometer is a thermistor encapsulated in a silkscreened glass wall, and circuits (1) compensate for time lag between conductivity and temperature measurement, (2) remove artifacts due to detritus in or near either sensor, and (3) derive secondary parameters of the liquid.

Abstract: A system for determining a level of a combustible fuel in an aircraft fuel tank with a thermistor bead comprises: apparatus for disposing the thermistor bead at a height in the fuel tank; a temperature sensor disposed in the fuel tank for measuring a temperature in proximity to the thermistor bead; a first circuit for conducting a constant bias current of less than thirty milliamps into the fuel tank and through the thermistor bead; a second circuit for generating a reference voltage in proportion to the measured temperature of the sensor; a third circuit for measuring a voltage across the thermistor bead in response to the bias current, and also coupled to the second circuit for detecting the dry/wet state of the thermistor bead based on the measured and reference voltages and generating a signal indicative thereof; and a fourth circuit for determining the level of fuel in the tank based on the bead height and dry/wet state signal.

Abstract: A polymer-type humidity sensor for use in a microwave oven and which has a polymer structure which includes a rubber and a predetermined amount of carbon, and a pair of electric terminals connected to the polymer structure. The polymer-type humidity sensor of the present invention has a rapid response time, durability, excellent adherence to terminals, low hysteresis, and exhibits stability to exposures of high temperatures and high relative humidity.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detection of susceptibility to moisture damage for asphalt mixes. A sample of asphalt mix is placed inside a chamber, which is partially filled with water. An increased air pressure is applied to the chamber. A controlled evacuation of the water from the chamber takes place while the increased pressure is maintained in the chamber. Pressure is released from the chamber and water is returned to the chamber. The cycle is repeated a predetermined number of times. Changes in conductivity and turbidity of the water may be monitored to indicate mixture stripping. When a chosen number of cycles of a pressurized emptying and filling of the chamber is complete, the asphalt sample is removed from the chamber and tested against a controlled sample. The test procedure adapts itself readily to a dual chamber design so that two samples may be tested simultaneously. A vacuum may also be applied to the chamber in addition to pressurizing the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining whether or not moisture appeared in a hidden place during a period T, the method comprising:

Abstract: Accurate and stable measurement of the dielectric constant of the substance or a mixture of substances by the use of measuring the delay through a transmission line imbedded in the substance as a delay means with compensation for signal degradation brought about by conductivity of the substance. The substance for which the dielectric constant is to be measured is introduced between or about the elements of the transmission line so as to vary the propagation or delay of the signals through the transmission line.

Abstract: A sensor for indicating moisture, comprising a unit whose conductivity is dependent on the current moisture exposure and an electric circuit, said unit being included as a component in said electric circuit and said electric circuit being activable by applying an electric field and/or a magnetic field over the same to generate a measurable signal, which is dependent on the total resistance of the circuit. The unit comprises an enzyme together with a substrate, which enzyme is activated when moisture exposure occurs to catalyse a reaction with the substrate that is dependent on the degree of moisture exposure, the substrate reaction product increasing the conductivity of the unit. The invention also relates to the use of such a sensor and a method of using a sensor to indicate moisture.

Abstract: A printing press system with water content sensing capability is disclosed. Many printing operations, including keyless or lithographic printing presses, use an emulsion of ink and water to perform the printing operation. It is important that the emulsion maintain a proper balance between the ink and water. The disclosed system employs a sensor which may be placed in the ink train of the printing press to constantly monitor the level of water within the emulsion. The sensor may be a capacitive type sensor which detects changes in the dielectric constant of the emulsion, and based on a comparison of the measured value and a predetermined desired value, prompts the press operator regarding the imbalance to enable corrective action to be taken.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for obtaining a representation of the distribution of electrical impedance within a multiphase flow with an electrically continuous or discontinuous principle flow (3) contained within an electrically conductive solid ring electrode (1), comprising providing a plurality of mutually spaced electrical contacts (2) mounted at the outside wall of the ring and electrically contacted with the ring, applying currents or voltages (4) to the ring from the electrical contacts (2), generating a more homogeneous electric field distribution within the material (3), measuring voltage or current (5) distribution along the ring from other electrical contacts (2), relatively intensifying the imaging sensitivity at the central area of the sensing domain using a &pgr;/2 angle sensing strategy and reconstructing the representation of the impedance distribution using CG method with an error processing strategy.

Abstract: A method of detecting a dry/wet state of a thermistor bead comprises the steps of: conducting a bias current through the thermistor bead; measuring a voltage across the thermistor bead in response to the bias current; measuring a temperature in proximity to the thermistor bead; generating a reference voltage in proportion to the measured temperature; and detecting the dry/wet state of the thermistor bead based on the measured and reference voltages.

Abstract: The objects of the invention are to provide a low cost, stable, portable, and rugged field-use device that measures wet density, moisture content, and dry density in soils that have been constructed for use as road beds and building foundations. This data is used to ensure the quality control of the constructed foundation. The present invention integrates the complex science of soil mechanics with electrical engineering to provide efficient evaluation of soil materials that are used in civil construction.

Abstract: A soil moisture indicator device for alerting a user when the soil in a pot needs to be watered to sustain a plant. The soil moisture indicator device includes a body member having a first end and a second end. The first end of the body member is designed for being inserted into the soil of the pot. A sensing elements is designed for sensing the relative moisture of the soil in at the pot. The sensing elements is positioned in the body member whereby the sensing elements is designed for being submerged into the soil when the body member is inserted into the soil. A low moisture light is operationally coupled to the sensing elements. The low moisture light emits light when the sensing elements detects the moisture in the soil being greater than a predetermined dry level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dryness measuring device, and more particularly the dryness measuring device for sensing a dryness status of laundry in drying. The present invention is to provide an electrode sensor for sensing the dryness status of the laundry and measuring a current dryness status by a variance of a voltage which is charged in capacitor based on a variance of resistance of the electrode sensor. And, the present invention minimizes outside effect by discharging of the charged voltage of the capacitor by designated periods.

Abstract: Osmolarity measurement of a sample fluid, such as tear film, is achieved by depositing an aliquot-sized sample on a sample receiving substrate. The sample fluid is placed on a sample region of the substrate. Energy is imparted to the sample fluid and energy properties of the fluid can be detected to produce a sample fluid reading that indicates osmolarity of the sample fluid. An aliquot-sized volume can comprise, for example, a volume of no more than 20 microliters (&mgr;L). The aliquot-sized sample volume can be quickly and easily obtained, even from dry eye sufferers. The imparted energy can comprise electrical, optical or thermal energy. In the case of electrical energy, the energy property of the sample fluid can comprise electrical conductivity. In the case of optical energy, the energy property can comprise fluorescence. In the case of thermal energy, the measured property can be the freezing point of the sample fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provide a method and an apparatus for detecting anions in water which does not require replacement of ion exchange resins and the like and can perform precise measurement at low cost in a simple operation.

Abstract: A method for determining a level of water contamination in a fuel containing ethanol, including determining the ethanol concentration of the fuel; sensing the resistance of the fuel; determining a resistance limit of the fuel; and comparing the resistance to the resistance limit to provide the level of water contamination. Ethanol concentration is preferably obtained by comparing a measured capacitance to known values in a look-up table. The resistance limit can be determined by multiplying a resistance corresponding to the ethanol concentration by an alarm fraction. The resistance is obtained by a look-up table of resistance values at known water contamination levels. Reporting occurs when the measured resistance is at or below the resistance limit. Alternatively, the measured resistance is normalized with respect to the resistance with no water contamination and reporting occurs when −1.6667*normalized resistance+1.6667 approaches 1.0.

Abstract: A tape-drive condensation sensor includes a probe with first and second spaced-apart electrodes that define a passage for air flow within a pneumatic conduit. A voltage source is coupled between the electrodes and the voltage of the source and the spacing between the electrodes are adapted to pass a current when a drop of condensation forms between the electrodes. An alarm circuit is activated by the flow of current, the alarm being adapted to signal an event of discernible condensation.

Abstract: A portable grain moisture measurement device automatically initiates testing at a predetermined grain compression and is calibrated to commercial moisture testers found in various commercial grain elevators so the user can select the commercial tester he wants to match moisture measurements with. The portable meter user can thus set the tester to match the commercial tester which will be testing his grain and can also perform calibration offset adjustments to further conform measurements between his meter and the particular commercial tester actually used, relative to the default moisture curves for each commercial tester, and each type of grain.

Abstract: A high-speed corrosion-resistant rotating cylinder electrode test apparatus for monitoring of corrosion rates of metals includes an electrochemical/permeation cell body adapted to contain a fluid whose corrosive effect is to be monitored, the cell body having a base at a lower surface thereof and the base having an aperture therethrough. A counter electrode/reference electrode complex is mounted within the cell. The system further includes a cylindrical working electrode and a rotatable system shaft having a lower portion below the base and extending therefrom through the aperture into the cell body, the working electrode being mounted on an upper portion of the system shaft to be positioned within the cell body for rotation. A cone-shaped cap formed from a corrosion-resistant polymeric material is positioned above the working electrode and extends upwardly a relatively short distance into the fluid to reduce vortex phenomena. A motor is connectable to the system shaft for rotating the system shaft.

Abstract: A sensible container for measuring conductive parameters in the liquid and acquiring properties of water in the liquid, consists of: a seat; a cup body installed at the seat, at least one probe being installed at a bottom of the cup body for contacting the liquid for measuring the resistance parameters of the liquid, such as concentration, pH value, salty and sugariness in the liquid; a measuring body at an interior of the seat and electrically connected to the probe for measuring the conductive parameters of the liquid; a display installed at an outer surface of the seat; and connected to the measuring body for displaying the measuring result.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a water immersion detecting circuit, which is free from false detection and is stable and highly sensitive in operation. There is provide a water immersion detecting circuit provided on a printed board 11 of an electronic unit and used for detecting water immersion of the electronic unit based on a change of resistance generated between a pair of sensor electrodes for detecting water immersion P10, p11, wherein the pair of sensor electrodes P10, P11 are positioned opposite to each other on the printed board 11, and a U-shaped slit (opening) 12 is formed between the sensor electrodes P10, P11.

Abstract: A polymer-type humidity sensor for use in a microwave oven and which has a polymer structure which comprises a rubber and a predetermined amount of carbon, and a pair of electric terminals connected to the polymer structure. The polymer-type humidity sensor of the present invention has a rapid response time, durability, excellent adherence to terminals, low hysteresis, and exhibit stability to exposures of high temperatures and high relative humidity.

Abstract: The drying time of a piece of wood can be determined by the present apparatus and method, based on a current signal passing through the piece of wood. A set of first and second electrodes of a probe are inserted into the piece of wood which may be travelling on a conveyor. The second electrode has an input for receiving electric power. The first electrode has an output for transmission of the current signal having passed through the piece of wood. The probe is driven toward and away from the piece of wood by a driving mechanism controlled by a control circuit. A measuring circuit is coupled to the outputs of the electrodes. The current signals are measured by the measuring circuit, which determines the drying time of the piece of wood.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the saturated, surface dry (SSD) condition point of aggregates includes warm air-drying of a water saturated aggregate sample of known initial weight. The sample is rotated in an open mesh screened drum, and heated ambient air is passed radially through the drum and the sample to remove water. Initially surface water is removed, followed by pore water. The loss in water weight and the exit air relative humidity (EAH) is tracked by sensors and recorded. The EAH values change significantly at the SSD point. Following SSD point determination, the test procedure continues until all free water is removed from the sample to determine total moisture content of the sample.

Abstract: A breathable moisture barrier suitable for use in enclosing flexible electrodes, foam substrate and other electrical components within a substantially liquid impervious environment without significantly impairing the ability of electrical sensors to accurately measure temperature and humidity variations within the surrounding environment such as the seating compartment of an automobile. It is further disclosed that a breathable polymeric material having a sufficiently high moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) will permit water vapor to be transported across the barrier and quickly reach equilibrium within the enclosed seat sensor mat assembly and to allow the humidity compensation of the occupant sensing system to function correctly.

Abstract: A soil moisture sensing device for sensing moisture levels in a particular soil area. The device has a porous body with at least two zones, a first one of the zones having pore sizes that approximate a range of pores in typical soils, a second one of the zones having pores arranged to be small enough to remain hydrated at higher matric tensions. The first and second zones contain respective electrodes, each being paired with an electrode common to both zones. As the matric tension of the soil solution increases, the pores within the first zone dehydrate causing increased resistance between the first electrode and the common electrode while the pores in the second zone remain hydrated, the resistance between the second electrode and the common electrode changing only in response to conductivity of the soil solution in the second zone.

Abstract: Accurate and stable measurement of the dielectric constant of the substance or a mixture of substances by the use of measuring the delay through a transmission line imbedded in the substance as a delay means with compensation for signal degradation brought about by conductivity of the substance. The substance for which the dielectric constant is to be measured is introduced between or about the elements of the transmission line so as to vary the propagation or delay of the signals through the transmission line.