Abstract: A thermoporosimeter for accurately and inexpensively determining porosity characteristics of material. The material is saturated with a liquid and then placed within an enclosed area and in communication with a mass measuring unit. A furnace with a furnace control provides increasing heat to the material within the enclosed area. As the liquid saturated in the pores of the material evaporates, the mass of the material changes and is recorded by the mass measuring unit. The mass measuring unit communicates the values for mass change through an interface to a microcomputer. A temperature sensor located within the enclosed area also provides temperature values to the computer through an interface. By measuring the change in mass as a function of temperature, it is possible to determine porosity characteristics of the material, which include but are not limited to, pore size, pore volume, and pore size distribution of the material.

Abstract: A lysimeter probe which may be inserted into the ground is provided with a tubular basic body (1) and a tubular body (4), the latter of which is made of a porous material. It has a connecting sleeve (10) for the application of a negative pressure to the interior space (5) of the tubular basic body (1) and the porous tubular body (4). The basic body (1) is implemented in two pieces and includes on both parts (2, 3) detachable means of connection (14, 15) between which the porous tubular body (4), which is implemented in the way of a pipe-section, is arranged between the two parts (2, 3) of the basic body (1), which are turned towards each other, in a way it may be clamped relieved from pressure.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for weather resistance test comprising a process for washing the surface of samples with a cleaner which is added at least between a process for condensing moisture on the surface of the sample after ultraviolet radiation has been applied and the process for again applying ultraviolet radiation after the process for condensing moisture. Impurities adhered to the surface of the sample and substances extracted on the surface of the sample can be removed by washing with the cleaner so that the surface of the sample to which these impurities and substances are adhered intact can be protected from being baked in the ensuing ultraviolet radiation application process. Consequently, generation of spot patterns and excessive color change of the surface of the sample can be prevented.

Abstract: A method of increasing the moisture content of seed grain and of feed grain to raise the moisture content to an approximate target moisture content prepatory to planting in the case of seed grain and in order to increase the patentability to the animal in the case of feed grain. According to the method, as grain is moved from a first location toward a second location, the moisture of the grain is continuously measured with a moisture sensor. The moisture sensor generates a control signal which is used to regulate the rate of addition of moisture to the grain at a location downstream of the moisture sensor. The moisture content of the grain measured by the moisture sensor is compared to a target moisture content level and control adjustments are made accordingly in order to regulate the rate of application or moisture to the passing grain.

Abstract: A microwave moisture sensing arrangement comprises an oscillator and a detector and a microwave strip line sensor connected between the two. The sensor is inserted into bulk, penetrable materials. The detector detects a change in received signal due to absorption of radiation from the sensor. Moisture content of the material is determined by calibration.

Abstract: A solution-type moisture indicating ink to be printed on a substrate and change color at a preselected ambient moisture. The indicator ink includes a solvent carrier system, a moisture indicating substance which changes color under the influence of moisture, and a resin system as a binder to hold the moisture indicating substance to the substrate as well as a film forming and viscosity adjusting agent.

Abstract: A soils testing apparatus has a hollow shaft for insertion into a test hole and includes vertically adjustable wedging blades slidable and T-tracks on the shaft for centering alignment in the test hole. A hand pump evacuates water from the test hole to a predetermined null point whereupon vertical movement of a float and float rod supported and guided within the shaft over a finite period of time will yield a direct percolation absorption rate.

Abstract: In a process for controlling on-line a parameter of a moving sheet, scan data from a cross direction scanning sensor (for example, for moisture) is retrieved from a memory while the sensor reverses direction at a turnaround point. This is accomplished by utilizing the direct memory access (DMA) capability of the existing computer system and plugging into the existing address, data and DMA bus of that system a printed circuit board which halts normal computer operation for minimum periods so as not to interfere with its operation.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for determining the wetting characteristic of a porous medium comprising applying at least one or more drops of each of at least two different liquids having different but closely spaced surface tensions to different locations on the porous medium and if necessary repeating the process until, of two liquids with neighboring surface tension, one is absorbed into the medium, and the other is not.

Abstract: The measuring arrangement consists of successive workstations which comprise a stock of paper samples, a balance, a mechanized moistening means for the sample and a blotting means, likewise mechanized, for the moistened sample. An industrial robot controllable by a program and equipped with a gripping apparatus is provided for carrying out the measurement. This arrangement determines the liquid absorbed by paper using the Cobb method and permits the measuring method to be carried out in a fully mechanized manner.

Abstract: A soil permeameter and method of measuring soil conductivity utilizes a core device that is open at one end that is inserted a measure depth into the soil to be tested. A vertically elongated measuring column is connected to the core device and both are supplied with water sufficiently to develop a pressure head in the column. A timer and a data storage device responsive to the timer are provided to measure and store the time intervals for the level of liquid in the column to fall equal increments. The value of soil conductivity is calculated as a function of the depth of core insertion and the stored time intervals. Both horizontal and vertical components of soil conductivity can be determined separately.

Abstract: A radioactive assay method for measuring the humectant properties of cosmetic or non-cosmetic formulations or substances of any consistency, e.g. biological or synthetic liquids, solids, solutions, suspensions, isolated stratum coreum and hair, by measuring the uptake of radioactive water vapor.

Abstract: In order to make it possible to measure the moisture content of coal on an on-line basis with a high degree of precision, a moisture content measuring system including a sample container for holding a sample, a weighing instrument having a turntable adapted to rotate with the sample container placed thereon, an A/D converter responsive to a signal from the weighing instrument, a calculator responsive to a signal from the A/D converter for calculating the moisture content of the sample, an indicator responsive to a signal from the calculator and a microwave generating and irradiating apparatus for heating the sample, is improved. The improvements reside in that the system includes a hot gas generator for heating the sample with hot gas at a low temperature, and a dehumidified dry air circulating means for removing moisture from the sample.

Abstract: A device according to the invention for testing articles of clothing has a carrier on which the article of clothing to be tested can be placed and then sprayed with water. The carrier is an imitation human body or part of a body with moisture sensors on it surface which are connected to an analyzer.

Abstract: A corn moisture tester is adapted to measure the moisture content of corn kernels on an ear of corn. The ear of corn may be affixed to the corn stalk. The device includes an ear cradle, a pair of electrode blades and circuit for measuring a moisture-dependent electrical property of the corn kernels. The cradle is adapted for receiving an ear of corn and includes two portions hinged together so they may be opened to receive the ear. When the cradle portions are closed, they form a substantially cylindrical interior cradle surface for engaging the ear of corn. The conductor blades are mounted to one portion of the cradle to pierce the kernels but not the cob when the cradle is closed about an ear under test. The electrical property measuring circuit generates and displays a signal representative of moisture.

Abstract: To determine machine-direction variations in measurements of a travelling sheet during production, the sheet is repeatedly traversed with a scanning sensor and, during each traverse, measurements are taken at a plurality of locations. Then, a series of reference slice locations are selected which extend in the true cross-direction. For the reference locations, measurement values are estimated based upon actual measurements. Then, for each scan, the average of the estimated measurement values is calculated. Next, cross-directional variations in values at each slice location along selected scans are calculated by subtracting the average value from the estimated value at each location along the scan. During the next consecutive scans, machine-directional variations in the sheet property at slice locations are calculated by determining the difference between the measured value and the calculated cross-directional variation value for that slice location along the prior scan.

Abstract: Variations in the properties of a continuously running web are measured by reciprocating the scanning device across the web. The movement of the scanning device is so time controlled that this movement is out of phase with the variation in the paper properties in the machine direction of the web.

Abstract: A device and process to measure the water content of a material or the water permeability of a membrane by stably humidifying a carrier gas stream and passing it through calcium carbide to convert the water content of the stream to acetylene, then producing a spectrographic or equivalent trace establishing the stable acetylene value of the carrier gas, then passing carrier gas into contact with the material whose water content is to be measured to evaporate water from it and passing the carrier gas through the calcium carbide whereby the water content of the material is represented by the area between the stable acetylene value and the spectrographic trace caused by the added water.

Abstract: The invention discloses test methods and apparatus for evaluating the mechano-strain response of various materials, particularly paper and related materials. The moisture sorbed by a specimen is evaluated continuously by observing the change in moisture content of the air in a closed volume surrounding the specimen. The relative humidity of the closed air volume is maintained constant (despite changes in the mass of water vapor in the air) by adjusting the physical volume, and thus the total pressure, of the contained air mass. In a second form, the pressure is adjusted directly. Moisture sorbed by the specimen is calculated from the rise in internal pressure of the closed air mass needed to hold relative humidity constant.

Abstract: A method of determining the moisture content of a material in which the material is caused to flow continually through a sensor region, the spatially averaged temperature of the material being continually determined independently of the dynamic thermal response of the material. The loss and capacitance of the sensor is also continually determined, the moisture content of the material than being determined in response to the spatially averaged temperature and the loss and capacitance determinations independently of changes in the packing density of the material as it continually flows through the sensor region.

Abstract: A lysimeter comprises a longitudinally extending circumferentially perforated duct having a vacuum application connection at one end thereof. A fluid permeable fabric is superposed over the duct perforations. A longitudinally extending circumferentially perforated shell extends about the duct and therewith defines a bounded volume therebetween. A granular filler substantially fills the bounded volume and the filler is sized so not to be drawn through the fluid permeable fabric so that a vacuum applied to the duct is transmitted through the shell.A ground protection system for a heap leaching site incorporating the lysimeter of the present invention is also disclosed as well as a method of assembling the lysimeter.

Abstract: A hydraulic tensiometer includes a pressure-sensitive electrical switch which acts to control an irrigation system in response to changes in matric water potential. Three chambers are defined in the tensiometer by moveable diaphragms. Two of the chambers are not in communication with the tensiometer probe, but are interconnected by a passageway. Flow through the passageway is controlled by an electrically operated valve.

Abstract: A water conservation system that connects between a standard irrigation system that is controlled by a clock, and the water control valves of that system in order to limit the flow of water during timed irrigation cycles. When the timed watering cycles are initiated by the standard irrigation system, the water conservation device senses the moisture in the soil and compares it with preset wet and dry moisture limits and scales back each of the watering cycles in proportion to the moisture content of the ground to thereby conserve irrigation water that is applied to a ground area. The device includes a moisture sensor, a central processing unit, and a solid state memory that is connected to the central processing unit and the moisture sensor.

Abstract: A meter is disclosed for measuring water content, particularly of soil. The probe (1) of the measuring device, fed with the needle electric pulse, is constituted of a set of waveguides connected parallely in the embranchment (2) with the microprocessor controller (10) of the electronic assemblies of the measuring device. Waveguides of the probe are installed in chosen layers of the material studied. The directly measured quantity is the sequence of time periods separating subsequent reflections of the electromagnetic wave propagating in the probe from the particular probe impedance discontinuties. The electromagnetic wave propagation velocity in a chosen layer of the medium is calculated on this basis, and therefrom the dielectric constant of the medium, and finally its moisture content upon which the dielectric constant depends.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly determining the print quality of a porous material which includes contacting a porous surface with a source of ink, and then providing a known relative acceleration between the ink source and the porous surface. In this manner, a predetermined volume of ink is transferred from the ink source to a known area of the porous surface. Then, the amount of ink transferred into the porous surface area per unit of time is measured to thereby determine the time between initial ink contact and the initial ink penetration, referred to as the wetting delay, the penetration rate of ink into the porous surface, and the volumetric roughness of the porous material. All of these latter parameters are closely correlated to print quality.

Abstract: A moisture sensor for detecting the moisture in a particulate material, the moisture sensor comprising a capacitance sensing probe having a first part with a dielectric coating and a second part, the second part being electrically conductive, physically isolated from the first part and disposed to be in electrical contact with the particulate material, and a capacitance detector connected to the first part and the second part, the capacitance detector being configured to generate an electrical signal dependant on the capacitance of the capacitance sensing probe. Soil moisture is measured by change in capacitance of the capacitance sensing probe.

Abstract: To determine measurements such as basis weight and caliper of a travelling sheet during production, the sheet is repeatedly traversed with a scanning sensor and, during each traverse, measurements are taken at a plurality of slice locations. Then, a series of reference locations are selected which are spaced apart in the machine direction along the sheet surface. Then, for selected slices, measurement values are estimated based upon actual measurements taken at locations on the selected slices which are not spaced in the machine direction at the same spacing as reference locations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the water content of crude oil in a pipeline is disclosed. The device consists of S-band tarnsmitting and receiving antennas, and X-band transmitting and receiving antennas. These are used to determine the complex dielectric constant of the fluid in a pipeline. Water salinity and an adjustment to the mixing formula are calculated using X-band and S-band sidewall links. The overall water content of the pipeline can then be determined by using as S-band main link that transmits a wave through a representative portion of the entire pipeline.

Abstract: Oil is detected in the presence of water by placing a translucent, porous body of hydrophobic material in contact with the oil and water and detecting the amount by which light incident on the body is attenuated on propagation through the body.

Abstract: An optical fiber moisture sensor is prepared by coating an optical fiber with a thin film of plasma polymerized hexamethyldisiloxane and ammonia, approximately 1-2 .mu.m thick. The light transmission characteristics of such a coated optical fiber change as a function of moisture conditions in an environment to which the coating is exposed. Accordingly, the coated optical fiber may be utilized by sensing changes in moisture conditions in an environment by being placed in the environment, causing light to be transmitted through the fiber and detecting changes in the light transmitted through the fiber as a function of the moisture conditions in the environment.

Abstract: A device for measuring the liquid content of a gas, as for example measuring the liquid water content in the atmosphere. The device employs a probe fabricated in part from a material which is thermally self-stabilizing and which preferably has a positive temperature coefficient. In use the probe is electrically heated and disposed in a flowing gas or is adapted for movement through a static gas so that droplets of liquid are deposited on the surface of the probe. Means is provided for detecting a change in the electrical resistance of the probe in response to a change in the heat loss rate due to the integrated evaporation of droplets of liquid from the surface of the probe. The temperature of the gas, the degree of relative movement between the probe and the gas, and the gas pressure are also sensed so that when their measurements are processed with a measurement dependent on the change in the electrical resistance of the probe a measurement is obtained of the liquid droplet content in the gas.

Abstract: A drying balance is disclosed with a means (11) for supplying energy for the drying of material to be weighed located on the balance scale (6,16) and with a digital evaluating unit (23,24,25) for calculating the moisture content from the measured weight loss of the specimen and for determining the end point of the drying in which balance the digital evaluating unit (23,24,25) calculates the inflection point from the chronological course of the weight loss and derives the criterion for determining the final point therefrom. The criterion for the final point consists in that the slope of the drying curve drops below a certain value which is derived from the coordinates or the slope of the drying curve at the inflection point.

Abstract: An automated tension infiltrometer including a soil contacting base to which is mounted a porous plate for interfacing the infiltrometer with the soil to be analyzed. A Marriotte column is positioned in the base so that its open bottom end abuts the porous plate. A bubble tower is also positioned in the base and has a bubbling tube operatively connected between its interior and interior of the Marriotte column. The bubble tower is adjustable to provide variable tension to the Marriotte column. First and second transducers are positioned at the upper and lower parts of the Marriotte column and continuously measure pressure changes at those positions while water from the column infiltrates into the soil. By correlating these measurements, improved precision in measuring water level is achieved, which in turn allows improved results regarding deriving soil characteristic information.

Abstract: A bale weight control system is provided for use on a conventional baling machine having a compression zone defined by opposed retaining walls capable of being urged together by a hydraulic ram. The weight control system utilizes a moisture sensing system which provides a continuous electrical output signal to a microprocessor that determines proper wall pressure. The microprocessor produces an electrical output signal that controls the hydraulic pressure supplied to the ram. Water may be controllably applied to hay which is too dry.

Abstract: A process for measuring the liquid absorption capacity of a powder includes the step of spraying a liquid in the form of a spray cone at a constant throughput from at least one spraying device onto a powder being stirred in the mixing chamber of a mixer, the powder filing between 10 to 80% of the mixing chamber. The torque of the stirrer of the mixer is measured both before and during the spraying step, and from this measurement both a maximum level of the torque and the time difference between the beginning of the spraying step and the time when the maximum level is reached are determined. An amount of liquid absorption of the powder is then determined based upon the liquid mass which is sprayed during that time difference.

Abstract: An improved hay baler and a moisture sensor for monitoring the moisture content of hay as it is being formed into a bale is disclosed. The sensor is adapted for mounting internally to the side of a baling chamber. It includes a pair of spaced apart elongated electrodes supported on an insulating material and exposed for contacting hay passing through the baling chamber. The electrodes are connected to a resistance network for measuring the electrical resistance in hay passing between the electrodes. An indicator is in electrical communication with the resistance network for indicating the moisture content in the hay being formed into a bale to an operator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the continuous monitoring of the moisture content of a two-component material or product, such as margarine. The method and apparatus enables the continuous monitoring of the moisture content of the material through the generation of an electrical signal which is transmitted to a suitable data logging system wherein the electrical signal is converted into moisture content data and which stores the information for subsequent use. The apparatus for effectuating the continuous monitoring of the moisture content of the material, in which the material is treated while being conveyed through a flowline conduit in a processing system, includes a probe consisting of an elongated capacitor cell coated with or encased in a non-conductve material. The probe is inserted into the conduit in parallel with the direction of the flow of the material so as to be fully immersed therein.

Abstract: A temperature and humidity indicator is provided by a plurality of liquid crystals sensitive to different temperatures which form a graduated scale and a plurality of paper segments impregnated with an inorganic salt sensitive to humidity forming a second graduated scale on a supporting sheet. The crystals change color with temperature and the paper segments change color with humidity. The two scales provide the vertical and horizontal axes of a table of equilibrium relative humidity and ambient relative humidity values for paper sheets or rolls to be printed on and the air surrounding the sheets. Readings are taken from the table to determine the differences in himidity between the air and paper. A second parameter table indicates ranges of differences which should not be exceeded under various printing conditions in order to prevent the occurrence of printing problems.

Abstract: Raw material to be expanded is supplied to an expansion chamber (12). The volumetric weight (M) and the moisture content (F) of the expanded material is measured, and signals representing the measured values obtained, are supplied to a microcomputer (27). This is programmed for comparing the volumetric weight as measured with a nominal value of the volumetric weight at the prevailing moisture content of the expanded material and is adapted to supply in dependence of the comparison made a signal for controlling the screw conveyor and drive unit (11, 13) for the supply of raw material to the expansion chamber to control the expansion of the material in dependence of the comparison by increasing or decreasing the amount of raw material supplied per unit of time.

Abstract: A probe for determining moisture content of a medium includes a heating element and a temperature sensing element which is spaced from the heating element. The heating element within a tube is energized for a period of time, and the temperature change of the sensing element after that time is a function of moisture content within a range of tolerance which is acceptable for agricultural and most other purposes. Temperature readout means are coupled to the probe to identify the temperature at that time and identify moisture content of the medium as a function of temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical device for measuring moisture in a substrate, in which device water is conveyed from the substrate along a porous absorption part (5) on a surface (4) of a prism so that is causes the critical angle of the total reflection to be changed thereon as a result of the change of the index of refraction. Another surface of the prism is dyed or patterned and covered in such a manner that it becomes visible only through reflection from the surface (4) when the surface is dry. When the surface (4) is moist, only the absorption part is visible through the viewing surface. The invention is advantageous in that due to the application of the principle of total reflection the change from an indication of the presence of moisture to an indication of the absence of moisture takes place sharply, not gradually.

Abstract: A moisture sensing device for an irrigation system is disclosed. A pair of concentrically disposed cylindrical conductors are separated by a fibrous material, such that a capacitor is formed whose resistance will vary in response to the level of moisture present in the fibrous material. An electrical circuit is connected across the cylindrical conductors for measuring the variable resistance caused by the level of moisture present in the fibrous material. If the soil is dry enough to require watering, the sensor circuit will produce an output signal to the appropriate solenoid in the irrigation system to permit watering.

Abstract: A distinctive absorbent article includes a backsheet layer and an absorbent body superposed in adjacent, facing relation with the backsheet layer. An actuating member connects to the article in liquid communication with the absorbent body and is composed of a liquid-contractible material. The liquid-contractible material is capable of shrinking upon contact with an aqueous liquid while maintaining a substantially unitary configuration. An indicating mechanism is connected to the actuating member for designating a wetness condition of the absorbent body, and is translatable along a selected path in response to the shrinkage of the actuating member.

Abstract: In a process for measuring the equilibrium moisture in hygroscopic, laminar material coated on both sides, preferably in raw paper coated on both sides used as support for a photographic paper, by determining the relative moisture of the air in contact with the material, samples are removed from the material by a process which forms cut surfaces on the material and are introduced into a container which can be sealed off against the outer atmosphere, and after establishment of the equilibrium moisture in this container the relative moisture of the air contained therein is measured.

Abstract: A sensing device and interactive components are provided for the continuous automatic monitoring of the moisture content of hay during its baling with a conventional baling machine. The device is comprised of a cylindrical holding tube having an open forward extremity which is welded to the retaining wall of the compression zone of the baler. An electrode and surrounding electrical insulative material are disposed within the holding tube. The forward extremities of the electrode and insulative material extend through an aperture in the retaining wall to coplanar disposition with the interiorly directed surface of the retaining wall. As the hay slides perpendicularly past the electrode, electrical resistivity is measured and caused to indicate moisture content on a meter located in the driver's compartment of the baler machine.

Abstract: An ion conductive sensor is connected to a current source which, in order to prevent polarization effects, controls current flow through the sensor in spaced or polarity-alternating pulses. If the sensor is a humidity sensor, it is preferably constituted by Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3, V.sub.2 O.sub.5 and Na.sub.2 WO.sub.4 in a proportion, by weight, of preferably 2 to 2.5:1:1, sintered on a substrate which has comb electrodes applied thereto. The sensor is especially immune to noise or disturbance pulses from the current supply and is especially suitable for use as an ambient humidity sensor in an automotive vehicle (810).

Abstract: An irreversible humidity indicator having a delayed response time includes a porous plastic carrier having upper and lower opposing surfaces, the upper surface including a depressed region for containing a deliquescent agent coated with a water soluble dye. A sheet of blotter paper overlies the upper surface of the porous plastic carrier and contacts the dye-coated deliquescent agent for absorbing the water soluble dye, and thereby providing an irreversible indication, when the humidity level directly surrounding the deliquescent agent is sufficiently high to dissolve the deliquescent agent. The plastic porous carrier is packaged to isolate the upper surface thereof from direct exposure to the environment to be monitored, and the density and thickness of the plastic porous carrier are selected to delay the passage of moisture-laden air from the lower surface to the depressed region thereof for a predetermined time.

Abstract: A moisture meter and method for determining moisture content in a mass of material is provided. A source of microwave radiation selectively produces radiation having a plurality of different frequencies and directs the radiation into the mass of material. A support is provided for the material, which is substantially transparent to the radiation. A detector determines the emergent intensity of the radiation of each frequency traversing the mass of material and the support. A signal processing unit, responsive to (1) an intensity level of incident radiation directed into the mass of material, (2) a level of the emergent intensity of the radiation after passage through the mass of material and the support, and (3) the selective radiation frequencies, determines a value characteristic of moisture content based upon a slope of a plot of attenuation representing a difference between the intensity level of the incident radiation and the emergent radiation versus each of the plurality of different frequencies.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously generating spatial profiles of moisture, thickness, and basis weight across a moving web of paper in a paper making machine. The apparatus includes a plurality of means for generating first and second beams of coherent microwave radiation and for generating signals proportional to the intensity of radiation applied to, reflected from, and transmitted through the web. The incident, reflectance, and transmittance signals for the two frequencies are used to solve simultaneous equations to generate moisture, thickness, and basis weight values at various positions across the web.

Abstract: In a method for ascertaining phyto-specific characteristics for differently grown crops to differentiate between crop plants that have been subjected to different methods of growing, the following plant parametersFG.sub.max =maximum fresh weight,TG=dry weightAcP=proportion by weight of cell components capable of swellingAH.sub.2 O=proportion by weight of adsorptive waterWH.sub.2 O=proportion of cell water by weightare ascertained and are related to each other in the form of a ratio relativizing locality-dependent modifications. In accordance with a second form of the invention an enzyme, such as glutamate dehydrogenase, or an enzyme mixture present in the plants to be investigated and reacting particularly sensitively to an alteration in the supply of nitrogen, is isolated and the relaxation time .tau. of the enzyme is ascertained for different enzyme concentrations.