Abstract: A pressure self-compensating tensiometer and method to in situ determine below grade soil moisture potential of earthen soil independent of changes in the volume of water contained within the tensiometer chamber, comprising a body having first and second ends, a porous material defining the first body end, a—liquid within the body, a transducer housing submerged in the liquid such that a transducer sensor within the housing is kept below the working fluid level in the tensiometer and in fluid contact with the liquid and the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: Process for determining disturbances of a moisture cross profile of a fibrous material web in a paper making machine, a paper making machine, and a measuring arrangement for measuring the disturbances, the process including guiding the fibrous material web by way of at least one water-permeable belt and collecting and draining off water released from the belt. The water is collected by several sections separated from one another. The process further includes measuring per time unit, the amount of water in each section, wherein the sections extend at right angles to a web running direction over only a partial section of the fibrous material web. The paper making machine includes at least one water-permeable belt, the belt being wrapped around a roll. The measuring arrangement includes a water collection device having the form of one of a trough, or channel.

Abstract: A moisture sensor is disclosed that includes a capsule, having a bottom portion and a top portion and an inlet for receiving fluid located at the top portion of the capsule, wherein the capsule is capable of containing at least one chemical that changes appearance in the fluid's presence. There is also a process for utilizing a moisture sensor that is disclosed. The process includes inserting at least one chemical that changes appearance when a fluid is present in a capsule, wherein the capsule has a bottom portion and a top portion and an inlet for receiving fluid located at the top portion of the capsule, and inserting the capsule into a ceiling where the bottom portion of the capsule is located below the ceiling.

Abstract: A body fluid leak sensing device adapted for correctly informing only a caretaker of a leak of body fluid. The sensing device is miniaturized so as to properly operate in any worn state. A liquid sensor applicable to the body fluid leak sensing device is disposable and highly sensitive to even a small amount of body fluid. A sensor (1) comprises a water absorber (11) formed of a porous material with a high electrical resistance and an insulating coating film (14) on which the ends (12a, 13a) of the electrodes (12, 13) are secured at its sides and spaced from each other in such a way that one end (11a) of the water absorber (11) is exposed. There are provided means for detecting leak of body fluid by measuring the resistance of the sensor (1) and means for informing according to the detection.

Abstract: A hydrophilic polymer material such as polyvinyl alcohol is formed into a porous film (301). A film (holding film) (303) made from a hydrophobic polymer material such as polyvinyl acetate is formed on the inner walls of a large number of pores (302) formed in the porous film (301). Lithium chloride (304) is held in these pores (302).

Abstract: A dew formation occurrence detection apparatus for detecting the dew formation on a drum 4 of a tape transport system provided on the electronic equipment 1 as an object for measurement. The dew formation occurrence detection apparatus includes a drum temperature detection unit 8 for detecting the temperature of the drum 4, an environment air temperature acquisition unit 6 for acquiring the environment air temperature of the electrical equipment 1 and a dew point temperature calculating unit 6 for calculating, from this environment air temperature, the dew point temperature at the humidity which takes the operating environment of the electronic equipment 1 into account. When the temperature of the drum 4 is not higher than this dew point temperature, it is verified that dew formation has occurred.

Abstract: The invention relates to a moisture measuring device and a method for measuring moisture of the crop material in harvesting machines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a monitoring well which includes an enclosure defining a cavity and a water reservoir enclosed within the cavity and wherein the reservoir has an inlet and an outlet. The monitoring well further includes a porous housing borne by the enclosure and which defines a fluid chamber which is oriented in fluid communication with the outlet of the reservoir, and wherein the porous housing is positioned in an earthen soil location below-grade. A geophysical monitoring device is provided and mounted in sensing relation relative to the fluid chamber of the porous housing; and a coupler is selectively moveable relative to the outlet of reservoir to couple the porous housing and water reservoir in fluid communication. An actuator is coupled in force transmitting relation relative to the coupler to selectively position the coupler in a location to allow fluid communication between the reservoir and the fluid chamber defined by the porous housing.

Abstract: A fluid filled transformer including a tank for containing at least primary and secondary windings, a radiator connected to the tank via top and bottom headers, a fluid disposed in the tank, a fluid circulation flow path including passages through the windings, radiator, headers, and at least a portion of the tank, and at least one diagnostic sensor disposed within the fluid circulation flow path for measuring properties of the fluid. By positioning the sensor within the circulation flow path, measured values are more reliable, accurate, and efficiently sensed.

Abstract: A detection assembly for detecting moisture within an unsaturated permeable medium is disclosed, the assembly including streamline distortion means (1) for distorting the flow streamlines within the medium to increase the fluid content at points therein, and detection means (4) for detecting the increased fluid content. A method of detecting moisture within an unsaturated permeable medium is also disclosed which includes distorting the flow streamlines within the unsaturated permeable medium to increase the fluid content at points therein, and detecting the increased fluid content.

Abstract: A pressure cell for subjecting a liquid-absorbent article to static compression; employed for conducting liquid-absorbency test procedures. The pressure cell includes an inflatable bag which compresses the absorbent article while conforming to its tri-dimensional configuration in order to achieve a uniform pressure distribution. The pressure cell is particularly suitable for conducting tests on non-planar, anatomically shaped absorbent articles or test samples that undergo a change in volume upon wetting. The invention also extends to a method for conditioning a liquid-absorbent article by the application of pressure during experimental liquid-absorbency procedures.

Abstract: An absorbent article that make it possible to assess the amount of the liquid discharging from human body and other spots as well as spreading on a floor without depending on determining a weight difference of the absorbent body (weight after absorption-weight before absorption). An absorbent article comprises a liquid pervious topsheet 101, a liquid impervious backsheet 102 and absorbent body 103 having the capability of retaining liquids positioned therebetween, the absorbent article comprising a topsheet having a mesh-type scale 104 on its outer surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a moisture measuring device and a method for measuring moisture of the crop material in harvesting machines. To improve the moisture measurement, the combination of the moisture measuring device with a sensor state monitoring device ensures that the manual calibration effort is reduced. According to the method disclosed in the present invention, the correction value from the measured moisture value is at least, in part, a function of the working condition of the harvesting machine.

Abstract: A visual indicating paste composition for detecting of aqueous solutions in hydrocarbons by changes in color. The paste is utilized by placing on a probe and inserting the probe in a storage device for fuel. Said paste comprising: a) a liquid carrier selected from high molecular weight polyols; b) a caustic powder selected from alkaline earth oxides; c) a gelling agent; d) a surfactant consisting of ethoxylated nonylphenol with 9 moles of ethylene oxide; e) a filler material. f) a water scavenger consisting of aluminum isopropoxide; g) an indicator dye; and h) a neutral dye; wherein the paste of the present invention will change color upon contact with an aqueous solution in the pH range of about between 7 and 11.

Abstract: A device for sensing moisture in moving hay bales has a pair of star-shaped wheels situated to have points penetrate into the bale and be driven by the bale. The points establish electrode surfaces within the bale between which resistivity or conductivity of an electrical current may be measured and scaled to moisture content of the hay of the bale.

Abstract: Moisturing management indexes are determined for a textile sandwiched between two plates. Electrical conductors arranged in concentric opposing pairs are used to measure changes in electrical resistance of the fabric. A quantity of water (or other chosen liquid) is poured down a guide pipe and changes of resistance measured against time. From this data, specific indexes are determined, in a repeatable fashion, and used for determining moisture management characteristics of the fabric.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating the degree of cleanliness of a substrate surface by measuring the surface wettability, particularly of an inorganic surface used in the manufacturing of electronic components. The wettability of the substrate surface is measured by depositing a droplet of test liquid on the substrate surface and measuring the speed at which the droplet evaporates. This speed is proportional to the droplet liquid surface area, which depends on the substrate surface wettability. A good surface wettability indicates a clean surface.

Abstract: This invention is a tampon wetness detection system which includes a housing (70) having a distal end, a proximal end, the proximal end being shaped, and dimensioned for insertion into a distal end of an absorbent body (12) inserted into a vagina, and the proximal end of the housing being fluid permeable; a radio frequency identification device (16) being implemented in the housing, and the radio frequency device including a transmitter (18); a conductive wetness sensor (20) being in the proximal end of the housing, and in electrical communication with the radio frequency identification device such that when the conductive wetness sensor senses wetness the radio frequency identification device is operable; a remote reporting device including a receiver for receiving a radio signal concerning the wetness of the absorbent body from the radio frequency identification device, and further including a reporting mechanism for reporting a user of the wetness of the absorbent body.

Abstract: A sensor imbedded roller for detecting changes in properties of a material and a measurement apparatus including a fixed impedance element coupled in series with a variable impedance sensor imbedded roller between an input signal and a reference potential (e.g. ground) is described. The sensor, which includes an electrode configuration, is imbedded into a roller such that when it rotates it comes in contact with the material being measured and its impedance varies. The variable impedance of the sensor relates to changes in property of the material being sensed which can then be related to changes in other physical characteristics of the material such as weight, chemical composition, and temperature. Sensor imbedded rollers can be placed in a sheetmaking machine to measure the pre-formed and post-formed paper product.

Abstract: A sandwich device was prepared by electrodeposition of an insoluble layer of oligomerized tris(4-(2-thienyl)phenyl)amine onto conducting indium-tin oxide coated glass, spin coating the stacked platinum compound, tetrakis(p-decylphenylisocyano)platinum tetranitroplatinate, from toluene onto the oligomer layer, and then coating the platinum complex with aluminum by vapor deposition. This device showed rectification of current and gave electroluminescence. The electroluminescence spectrum (&mgr;max=545 nm) corresponded to the photoluminescence spectrum of the platinum complex. Exposure of the device to acetone vapor caused the electroemission to shift to 575 nm. Exposure to toluene vapor caused a return to the original spectrum. These results demonstrate a new type of sensor that reports the arrival of organic vapors with an electroluminescent signal.

Abstract: A device for moisture measurement in harvesting machines, including removing material to be measured from a stream of crop material, supplying the material to be measured to a measuring chamber, an associated moisture sensor, and returning the measured material to the stream of crop material. One improvement is compulsory cleaning and/or emptying of the measuring chamber and/or of at least one moisture sensor. As a result, fouling and blockages are avoided.

Abstract: A measuring instrument (1) for gravimetric moisture determination consists of an instrument housing (2), a balance (3) installed in the instrument housing, and a radiant heater (8). The moisture content of a sample on a tray placed on the tray carrier (5) is determined by measuring the weight loss of the sample while it is being dried under the heater. The instrument is equipped with means for conducting an air stream generated by a fan (12) through the space between the sample tray carrier (5) and the weighing cell (21). The air-conducting means include an air duct that can be at least partially released from the instrument housing for cleaning.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for determining the volumetric proportion of water in snow and the density of snow, a probe consisting of at least three parallel, but differently spaced, electrical conductors is installed in an area so that the probe is surrounded by the snow, an electromagnetic signal is applied repeatedly to pairs of the conductors for determining different dielectricity coefficients, wherefrom the actual dielectricity coefficient is calculated based on probe-specific calibration data and the measuring steps are repeated with a different frequency for which the dielectricity coefficients of the water and ice are known and the volumetric parts of the snow, that is of the water, ice and air in the snow cover is calculated using the law of mass conservation.

Abstract: A method for determining warp potential of wood. One embodiment comprises nondestructively obtaining lengthwise shrinkage rates and grain angles of wood—such as trees, logs, or lumber—then determining warp potential of the wood based on the lengthwise shrinkage rates and grain angles. The method typically comprises measuring plural lengthwise shrinkage rates and plural grain angles to determine warp potential. Where the wood comprises lumber, lengthwise shrinkage rate and grain angle measurements typically are made on at least one major planar surface of the lumber at at least two measuring points separated by a predetermined distance, such as at substantially one-foot intervals along the lumber. Particular embodiments of the present invention determine lengthwise shrinkage rates using electromagnetic energy, acoustic energy, and combinations thereof. Working embodiments of the method use ultrasound energy to determine lengthwise shrinkage rates and grain angles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for performing tests on absorbent substrates (2), particularly by applying at least one of the opposite sides (2A, 2B) of said substrate (2) to a receiving surface (3A, 7). This device is characterized in that it comprises a means (4) whose function is to ensure the tight application of the substrate (2) to a receiving surface (3A, 7), i.e., a means capable of elastically deforming at least this substrate (2) so that it is tightly pressed against said receiving surface (3A, 7).

Abstract: A moisture level indicator system is provided including a base and at least one weight sensor positioned on the base for determining a current weight supported thereon. Also included is a reset push switch mounted on the base and adapted to generate a reset signal. Next provided is a processor positioned within the base for recording a predetermined set weight on the base that is received via the weight sensor upon the receipt of the reset signal. The processor is further adapted to provide an indication of a difference between the predetermined set weight and a current weight supported on the base.

Abstract: A method of determining matric potential of a sample, the method comprising placing the sample in a container, the container having an opening; and contacting the sample with a tensiometer via the opening. An apparatus for determining matric potential of a sample, the apparatus comprising a housing configured to receive a sample; a portable matric potential sensing device extending into the housing and having a porous member; and a wall closing the housing to insulate the sample and at least a portion of the matric potential sensing device including the porous member.

Abstract: A moisture meter (1) has a hand-held casing (2) with a digital microcontroller (50), LCD display (4), and a keypad (3). Spring-loaded contacts (6) contact material and allow capacitive impedance measurement via electrodes (5) and drive/pickup circuits (20). Also, a relative humidity probe (9) provides an input so that the processor generates both moisture contact near-surface measurements and also relative humidity measurements. This allows optimum analysis of material.

Abstract: An electronic weighing machine for a moisture meter not only measures the amount of moisture in the test sample, but also measures the mass of the test sample itself. In addition, the present invention is related to a heat drying type moisture meter, a filter for the moisture meter and a moisture adsorption unit for the moisture meter. The electronic weighing machine for the moisture meter is used with the moisture meter which is equipped with a heating section for introducing the carrier gas into it and heating the test sample, a moisture adsorption section for adsorbing the vaporized moisture from the carrier gas flowing out of the heating section, and an electronic weighing section for determining the increase in mass of the moisture adsorption section. The electronic weighing section has a test sample weighing section and a section for measuring the mass of the collected vaporized moisture in the weighing arm of the electronic weighing unit.

Abstract: The method and structure of a moisture measuring device that creates an electric field and then determines a moisture content of a specimen based on the effect the moisture of the specimen has on the electric field.

Abstract: A sidewall tensiometer to in situ determine below-grade soil moisture potential of earthen soil includes, a) a body adapted for insertion into an opening in earthen soil below grade, the body having lateral sidewalls; b) a laterally oriented porous material provided relative to the body lateral sidewalls, the laterally oriented porous material at least in part defining a fluid chamber within the body; c) a pressure a sensor in fluid communication with the fluid chamber; and d) sidewall engaging means for engaging a portion of a sidewall of an earth opening to laterally urge the porous material into hydraulic communication with earthen soil of another portion of the opening sidewall. Methods of taking tensiometric measurements are also disclosed.

Abstract: A scanner for moving sheet material such as a paper-making machine provides the gauging heads which measure parameters such as basis weight and moisture entirely inside an enclosed tubular beam. Each gauging head is driven by a single belt which both drives the gauging head in a cross direction perpendicular to the moving sheet direction and provides for dust and dirt protection by covering a slot in the beam, except where the gauging head is located.

Abstract: A method for measuring the moisture content in powders or other granular products or for measuring the dry matter of liquid products. The method includes the steps of placing the product on a scoop (8) and weighing it, then inserting the product on the scoop in a sealed glass tube (7), passing a dry gas stream to evacuate the product water content outside of the tube, such that the elimination step is carried out in a closed circuit independently of ambient air in the place where the product is being analyzed before measuring the drained product. The invention also relates to a measuring apparatus for implementing the method. This apparatus includes the sealed glass tube, a dry gas source, one or several sheaths or cells which house the glass tube and which are used for draining the product, gas flow regulators (2), one or several manometers (13), and a pump (14).

Abstract: A soil specimen rests on a porous support. The support may be a porous ceramic plate or other body, for instance rated at 15 bar (1,500 kPa) or greater. The plate overlies a reservoir full of water that hydraulically contacts either an elastic membrane, that is fitted with a strain gauge, or a pressure transducer. As the soil specimen dries out, water is drawn from the pore space, which decreases the amount of water surrounding the soil particles, causing an increase in the pore water tension. The tension draws water from the saturated plate and reservoir, causing a change in the output of the strain gauge or pressure transducer. The tension is transduced by the strain gauge or pressure transducer, and is continuously recorded. The entire apparatus described above may rest on a balance. As the soil dries out, and its mass is reduced, the change in mass can be measured, and from the change, the mass of the remaining soil and water can be determined.

Abstract: A soil moisture monitoring apparatus, system and method for monitoring the soil moisture content of a given volume of soil in which a plant is growing are provided. The apparatus, system and method allow a plant caretaker to be alerted when the soil moisture content in the soil drops below a pre-determined level. When the soil moisture content drops below a predetermined level, an audible signal may be generated alerting the plant caretaker of the need to add water. The audible signal generated generally corresponds to a recognizable sound that a creature embodied by a creature-shaped housing makes in nature. The creature-shaped housing containing the audible signal generator mechanism may be placed around or attached to the plant such that the audible signal may be readily heard and the creature-shaped housing is visible.

Abstract: A moisture monitoring device, for use in monitoring the soil moisture level of a potted plant, comprising a tubular housing having a proximal end and a distal end. A moisture sensor is located at the distal end, which is ordinarily submerged within the soil of the potted plant. An indicating LED is located at the proximal end, which is normally visible above the soil of the potted plant. A blinker circuit is located within the housing and is capable of controlling illumination of the indicating LED. The moisture sensor modulates the blinker circuit such that as the soil moisture level decreases, the blinker circuit causes the indicating LED to flash more rapidly.

Abstract: A leaf thickness sensing device (1) having mounting apparatus (9, 10) for flexibly mounting the device adjacent a leaf whose thickness is to be sensed, a leaf support element (4) coupled to the mounting apparatus, a displaceable leaf abutting (6) juxtaposed with respect to and biased towards the leaf support element so as to be in firm, non-destructive abutting contact with a leaf to be releasably retained on the leaf support element; a displacement transducer element (11) responsibly coupled to the leaf abutting element and serving to generate a signal corresponding to displacement of the second element relative to the first element.

Abstract: A method of assessing the humidity or moisture content of crop is provided for an agricultural harvester for use during harvesting operations. The method involves harvesting a field using a harvesting machine equipped with a moisture sensor for monitoring the moisture content of the harvested crop and a mass flow rate sensor for monitoring the mass flow rate of crop material in the harvesting machine. The raw moisture data derived from the signal of the moisture sensor are combined with the mass flow rate data for establishing the actual moisture content of the crop material. This moisture data can be used to establish a moisture content map for the field, which has the advantage of identifying field spots with weed infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for measuring the sorbate content in substrates, using a sensor with a measuring chamber. Said chamber contains a support medium whose partial pressure of sorbate is determined in order to determine the sorbate content of the substrate. According to the first method, the temperature of the support medium is varied up to a value at which the partial pressure of sorbate in the measuring chamber no longer varies with the temperature of the support medium, and slightly over this value. This partial pressure of sorbate is then used to determine the sorbate content of the substrate. According to the second method, the temperature of the support medium is kept essentially constant and the speed at which the partial pressure of sorbate of the support medium approaches the stable end value is determined.

Abstract: A method for determining the residual moisture content during secondary drying in the dry product of a freeze-drying process is disclosed. In order to determine the residual moisture content without interruption of the drying process is suggested that the desorption rate is measured at certain intervals (for example 10 minutes) during the secondary drying phase. A computer calculates from two or several of these measured values the time at which a desorption rate would be reached (desorption rate zero point) which would alter the desired residual moisture by only a tolerably small amount. The respective residual moisture is determined by the computer by chronological integration of desorption rates from zero point until the moment of measurement taking.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and methods for testing the quality of foundry green sand. The apparatus includes three testing stations where filling (60), compaction (80), weighting (94), gas permeability testing (120), moisture testing (40), fracture testing (160), and shear testing (180) occur. Each station is automated and controlled by a computer programmed control system or controller (200). Known foundry sand testing formulas are entered into the system or controller which in turn receives input from each of the testing stations. The condition and quality of the foundry sand is output. A method for testing is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for moisture measurement in harvesting machines, includes means for removing the material to be measured from a stream of crop material, means for supplying the material to be measured to a measuring chamber, an associated moisture sensor, and a means for returning the measured material to the stream of crop material. One improvement is means for compulsory cleaning and/or emptying of the measuring chamber and/or of at least one moisture sensor. As a result, fouling and blockages are avoided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of studying the liquid accommodating property of absorbent products. According to the invention, the amount of liquid received by the absorbent product from a vessel is measured continuously, by measuring the amount of liquid removed from the vessel.The invention also relates to apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a corrugator and corrugated fiberboard sheet manufacturing method which are capable of accurately adjusting the quantity of moisture included in a sheet to certainly suppress the warp deformation of the sheet with the passage of time. The corrugator has an adhering section equipped with a plurality of pressurizing units separately disposed in series along a sheet conveying direction, where a front linerboard and a rear linerboard are adhered to each other to form a corrugated fiberboard sheet and the corrugated fiberboard sheet formed in the adhering section is processed into a predetermined configuration in a processing section standing on the downstream side of the adhering section.

Abstract: A process for controlling the water content in products stored in an enclosure wherein the process includes measuring at at least one point within the product a value which represents a partial pressure of water vapor at the point within the product when the product is in a state of equilibrium and comparing the measured value with a range of reference values and thereafter modifying the atmosphere within the enclosure if the measured value falls outside a predetermined range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective cover for a medical thermometer with a temperature probe region which is placed in direct contact with a patient during use. The cover is disposable and adapted to be removably secured to the temperature probe region such that the cover completely covers the temperature probe region, thereby physically isolating the temperature probe region from contaminants, and further includes means for effecting a visual change in the appearance of the cover when the thermometer is used. The cover is preferably formed of a thin, elastomeric, liquid-impervious material and its appearance changes upon exposure to one or more of moisture, pressure, galvanic skin response and skin temperature.

Abstract: A method of determining the moisture content in wood in which a sample of the wood being tested is first frozen with liquid nitrogen, homogenized and a test sample is placed in a Karl Fischer titration system. The test sample is placed into a solvent solution and the reagent or titrant is progressively added to the solvent solution as the presence of moisture from the wood sample is detected. Once the moisture has been titrated from the solution the moisture content of the wood is determined based upon the amount of reagent dispensed into the titration solution.

Abstract: A moisture sensitive element in which a functional film is formed in contact with opposing electrodes arranged on a substrate. The element includes a mechanism for measuring the temperature of the functional film. The functional film has a porous structure made from a polymer material with hydrophilic properties and includes fine pores. A holding film is formed on inner walls of the pores and made from another polymer material having hydrophobic properties. An electrolytic salt is held within the pores.

Abstract: System and method for monitoring of environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity and pressure, inside a granulated material pile, particularly piles of fertilizer, at production and storage sites. Environmental condition detectors in a plurality of first housing segments are spaced apart within the pile by intermediate elongate second housing segments to form an elongate columnar housing which extends within the pile. Data can be transmitted through electrical cables or by radio frequency transmitted data. The conditions at various levels adjacent each first housing segment can be monitored and correlated with the aging of the pile until the pile reaches grade. The data may be displayed and processed to correlate and profile the data for signs of pile set.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring the stage of cooking of pasta in a cooking liquid including a gripper (112) immersed in the cooking liquid. The gripper includes a squeezer (12) to retain and elastically compress a sample of the pasta (30). The squeezer (12) includes a stationary contrasting element and an elastic compression element which includes an elastic with a fixed setting. The elastic compression element is movable with respect to the stationary contrasting element in a manner functionally correlated to the progressive loss of consistency of the sample of the pasta (30) as cooking proceeds. The instrument further includes an electrical circuit (34) having at least one contact (33) and a signal (37). The position of the contact (33) is correlated to a predetermined state of cooking of the pasta (30). A monitoring rod (20) is attached to the elastic compression element and emerges from the cooking container.