Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for determining the moisture content in a moist material in the form of particles or pieces, such as sand, gravel, dry mortar, coal, chips, and the like. In accordance with the invention, partly the cooling effect of the material on a measuring body (1, 35, 41, 50), performing in the material, at a temperature above the boiling point of the liquid, is recorded, the material and the measuring body moving in relation to each other, and partly the cooling effect of the material on a measuring body (2), performing in the material, at a temperature below the boiling point of the liquid, is recorded. The comparison between the two recordings results in a relation, which gives a measure as to the moisture content.

Abstract: A device for measuring the moisture content and basic weight of paper in a gravimetric and more accurate manner than before. The device includes a cutting device for cutting the sample from a specimen sheet, a balance for weighing the sample, a computer for computing the moisture content and the basic weight of the sample, an output device for printing out the results of the moisture content and basic weight as well as a controller for controlling the device automatically and advantageously a drying device for drying the sample.

Abstract: An inorganic protection film (12) such as of silicon nitride for protecting humidity-sensitive functional devices (16) on the substrate from water molecules (15) is formed on an organic substrate (11) such as one made of polycarbonate plastic material, with a soft buffer interface film (13) between the substrate and the protection film, and the buffer film releases stress due to the difference of thermal expansion coefficients of the organic substrate and the protection film.

Abstract: An improved lysimeter is described for collecting soil water which is truly representative of the soil water contained in the soil at selected locations. The lysimeter contains a chamber and a filter section which is a rigid, porous fluoroplastic and through which moisture from the soil surrounding the lysimeter may pass into the chamber. The invention also includes a process for using the lysimeter to recover soil moisture in the lysimeter chamber.

Abstract: A test cell comprises a first enclosure which is closed at one end and open at the other. A fan is located near the closed end for supplying conditioned air to the first enclosure and an aperture in the bottom wall of the enclosure near its open end. An apertured sample holder may be used to hold the test specimen in place during use. The first enclosure is preferably divided into first and second compartments by a slotted divider. The test cell may optionally include a baffle near its closed end to reduce eddying of the air and to provide a uniform air flow pattern across the test specimen. The test cell of the present invention may be used in conjunction with the apparatus described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,357,827 to measure moisture vapor transmission characteristics of a test specimen.

Abstract: A measurement method and an apparatus are used for determining the moisture content of sheet- or foil-like materials (1) of high moisture content and low electrical conductivity. Ground planes (3) are adapted on both sides of the material (1) to be measured; between each ground plane (3) and the material (1) to be measured, at least one center conductor (2) is adapted approximately parallel to the material (1) to be measured in order to form a quasi-TEM transmission line resonator. Electromagnetic RF energy is fed into the quasi-TEM transmission line resonator so that the electromagnetic quasi-TEM waves propagate in the plane of the material (1) to be measured. The resonator supports for the transverse and longitudinal waves such resonant modes whose resonant frequencies and Q's are dependent on the properties of the material (1) to be measured.

Abstract: A heating apparatus contains a humidity sensor for detecting vapor amount generating from the heated object and a control unit for controlling the heating time on the basis of the signal output from the humidity sensor. The humidity sensor includes a first heat sensor for detecting the atmospheric temperature and a second heat sensor which is self-heated or heated by a heating source. The control unit includes a comparator for comparing the temperature change of the first heat sensor with that of the second heat sensor which change is caused by vapor generating from the heated object, and a control circuit for controlling the additional heating time on the basis of the time the signal output from the comparator took to reach the value preset for each kind of heated objects, when the preset value is reached.

Abstract: A visual indicating paste composition for producing a detectable color change upon contact with an aqueous solution comprising an indicator dye capable of changing color in the pH range between about 7 and about 11, an inorganic base in the form of a caustic powder dispersed in a liquid carrier capable of absorbing water which is not rapidly leached by water or hydrocarbon, and a minor amount of a boron-containing compound, is provided. When applied to a measuring probe, the paste composition is particularly adapted for detecting the water level in the bottom of tanks and delivery systems containing gasoline, and especially gasoline containing oxygenated blending components, by producing a clear detectable color change without bleeding or run-off upon contact with an aqueous solution. The paste composition exhibits long shelf life and improved water tolerance.

Abstract: The accuracy of measurements made to determine the extent of water vapor trapped upon encapsulation of an electronic device is significantly enhanced by carefully controlling the measurement technique employed. In particular, the encapsulant is generally punctured and the water vapor thus released is monitored. It has been found that to obtain an accurate measurement of the magnitude of the water vapor released, this measurement must be made within 0.1 second of the time of encapsulant punctured and released into a glass system. By using an absorption technique with suitable electronics, this time requirement is fulfilled and significantly more accurate quantitative measurements of entrapped water vapor are obtained.

Abstract: An improvement in a device to measure the moisture content of the stratum corneum of human skin by means of a stray field capacitance transducer, the measurement of the stray field being accomplished by using an oscillating electronic circuit, in which said stray field capacitance being measured is a frequency determining element of the circuit, and a signal proportional to the period of oscillation of the circuit is a measurement of the relative moisture content of the outer layer of the object being measured.

Abstract: Nuclear fuel rods are processed to remove moisture in an oven which is evacuated. Measurement of the moisture content in each of a plurality of nuclear fuel rods (typically 44) is carried out by condensing the vapor derived from one randomly-selected control rod in a nitrogen-liquid cooled trap, collecting the condensed vapor in magnesium perchlorate, and determining the weight of the collected moisture. Moisture from the one fuel rod is condensed, collected and has its weight determined repeatedly in increments until the difference between the weight of a last increment and of a just preceding increment is less than 1 mg. (The permissible content is 6 mg. or less.) The rods have small perforations through which the vapor can escape. The evacuating system includes a main evacuating channel connected directly to the oven and a branch channel connected to the one fuel rod through the cold trap.

Abstract: A visual indicating paste composition for producing a detectable color change upon contact with an aqueous solution comprising an indicator dye capable of changing color in the pH range between about 7 and about 11, said base being dispersed in a liquid carrier capable of absorbing water but which is not rapidly leached by water or hydrocarbon, is provided. When applied to a measuring probe, the paste composition is particularly adapted for detecting the water level in the bottom of tanks and delivery systems containing gasoline, and especially gasoline containing oxygenated blending components, by producing a clear detectable color change without bleeding or run-off upon contact with an aqueous solution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of measuring water percentages of a fine aggregate comprising the steps of prewetting the fine aggregate, containing the prewetted fine aggregate in an air-tightly closed container, applying a centrifugal force to said container over a predetermined period to remove a portion of a quantity of water deposited on the fine aggregate, and measuring the water content remaining in or on the fine aggregate after being subjected to the centrifugal force, and thus determining a percentage of water adhered to the fine aggregate and a percentage of water of the fine aggregate in which interstice thereof is saturated with water while a surface thereof is dry.

Abstract: Mass, or changes in mass, of a rock specimen are measured to determine the changes in saturation of a rock specimen. Measurements can be obtained in test environments of high temperature or high pressure or both. The mass is rigidly attached beneath a stiff spring and made to vibrate or oscillate at a characteristic frequency. The frequency of oscillation is detected and the data then used to determine mass of the specimen.

Abstract: A microwave moisture sensor operates on the principle that an emitted microwave is attenuated in rotary resonance with water molecules. The microwave moisture sensor includes measurement and reference signal systems sharing a microwave oscillator, a detector and other components, means for calculating the ratio of the signals from the respective systems, and an AGC circuit means for keeping the reference signal from the reference signal system at a predetermined level, so that drifts of the microwave oscillator, detector and other components will be cancelled and thus increased measuring accuracy will result. Furthermore, the microwave moisture sensor measure the basis weight and temperature of a material being measured, and processes the measured values according to predetermined moisture percentages free from adverse influences of the basis weight and temperature and thus increase the degree of measurement accuracy.

Abstract: A pressure-measuring transducer device for transforming a change of tested pressure into a change of output signal frequency. Variable reluctance sensing elements and an FM IC block are assembled together in a base. The transducer device can have a variety of configurations and external forms and is sturdy and reliable, tightly sealed, interference resistant, and adapted for use in measuring dynamic and static pressures of different mediums. The pressure transducer has a piston type double film, and the base is made of aluminum alloy and is "honeycombed". The specific gravity is approximately equal to that of soil. It is adapted for measuring soil pressure or boundary soil pressure of reinforced concrete structure and pressure of loose solid substances. An alternate embodiment is used for measuring pore pressure in soil. Several forms of filtering devices are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the moisture content of soil includes a chamber having a water-swellable material in the chamber, the chamber being sized so that the water-swellable material can swell to its fully swollen state, with the external resistance, if any, against the swelling being substantially constant. The device includes a device for transmitting water to the water-swellable material so that it is in equilibrium with the environment. A sensor responsive to the volume of the water-swellable material is provided to indicate the water content of the environment exterior of the apparatus. The preferred sensor is a magnet moveable by the water-swellable material and a Hall effect sensing device.

Abstract: A device for measuring density and moisture of a material includes a hollow roller rotatably mounted on a shaft for rolling movement on the surface of the material. A radioactive source and density and moisture detectors are supported below the shaft and adjacent to the inner surface of the roller at substantially a fixed distance from the surface of the material being measured as the roller is rolled. The detectors are coupled to a conventional counter and microprocessor circuitry which provide an output reading related to the density or moisture content of the material. The shaft may be mounted for tilting movement so that the roller may pitch in conformity to contours in the material surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly determining the moisture content of a substance. An area of one surface only of the substance is subjected to a predetermined intensity of radiant energy for a selected period of time and the temperature rise is measured. The rise in the surface temperature of the substance such as pieces of wood, is approximately inversely proportional to the moisture content of the wood and thus is easily determined. This is obtainable by transporting the substance on a fixed speed conveyor past a heat source, variations in the rise and fall in the surface temperature readings immediately following the application of heat are representative of its moisture content; low readings indicating high moisture content while high readings being indicative of low moisture content.

Abstract: A process for the formation of a sample which does not require any external energy for determining the content of dissociable polar liquids in gases, expanded bodies, pouring charges of granular material, or electrically non-conductive liquids. The invention further relates to the provision of a sample probe which does not require external energy and which is applicable to the implementation of the process. A powder having a grain size in the range of between about 0.001 to 1 mm of an electrically deformable material having a crystalline or amorphic structure with at least a partial ionic bond and a specific resistance of at least 10.sup.5 Ohm/cm is compressed between two electrodes under a pressure of at least 100 bar, and continually maintained under pressure, whereby at least a portion of the components maintaining the powder under pressure is permeable to the moisture encompassing the sample.

Abstract: A moisture intrusion detection system is provided, wherein a plurality of independent and insular moisture detecting units are placed in a predetermined spaced apart relationship across the surface of a roof structure, or other system incorporating a water impermeable membrane, beneath the water impermeable membrane thereof. Each of the detecting units includes a moisture detecting and power supply unit and signalling unit. When moisture penetrates the water impermeable membrane of the roof structure, a leak condition exists and a water activated battery is activated. Each detecting unit in contact with water is activated. In combination with the detecting units, position and direction locator apparatus are used in combination with the detecting units to localize the source of the leak and the extent of any water damage caused thereby.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for continuously determining the moisture content of a spoilable foodstuff, in particular, of grain and processed products of the latter, which is moved along a production line as a product stream and passed, at least in part, through a measuring section of a housing in accordance with the process, a pourable average of the product stream is created continuously within the measuring section, and the product moisture content of this product average is measured electrically on a continuous basis. In accordance with the device, the measuring housing has a capacitor as a continuous-flow measuring section and a device for continuously controlling the creation of a pourable product average. One of the central concepts of the invention is found in the interaction of the following factors: --continuous creation of a product average, continuous trickling-type flow of the product, with simultaneous electrical measurement on a continuous basis.

Abstract: A precipitation gauge in which precipitation is absorbed by a suitable material having two pairs of grids also disposed therein to form two capacitances. An ac signal is applied to the grids to measure the impedance between the grids and hence the volume of precipitation absorbed.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus is provided for use with a moisture tester of the type wherein the moisture content of a sample is determined as a function of the change in capacitance of a sample-receiving test cell when a sample is present therein from the capacitance of said test cell when empty. The tester also includes a reference oscillator and a test cell oscillator in circuit with the test cell, and a variable capacitor coupled in circuit with the test cell and the oscillators for bringing respective outputs of the two oscillators into a balanced condition both with the test cell empty and with a sample present in the test cell. The variable capacitor comprises a fixed member and a movable member which is rotatable through 360 degrees relative to the fixed member.

Abstract: A test cell comprises a first enclosure which is closed at one end and open at the other. There are means located near the closed end for supplying conditioned air to the first enclosure and an aperture in the bottom wall of the enclosure near its open end. A second enclosure is secured to the lower surface of the first enclosure so that the interiors of the two enclosures are in fluid communication. A porous plate is mounted within the second enclosure to provide a fluid reservoir below it and a lead space above it. There are means associated with the second enclosure for conducting a test liquid to the interior thereof. An apertured sample holder may be used to hold the test specimen in place during use. The first enclosure is preferably divided into first and second compartments by a slotted divider. The test cell may optionally include a baffle means near its closed end to reduce eddying of the air and to provide a uniform air flow pattern across the test specimen.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for measurement of moisture in dielectric materials. It is particularly useful for lumber. In the preferred version, at least two alternating current signals whose frequencies differ by a factor of at least 10 are capacitively coupled to the material. The coupling electrodes are in bridge circuits whose unbalance is measured at each frequency. The temperature of the dielectric material is also determined. Bridge unbalance signals are separated and rectified and the voltages, as well as a temperature analog voltage, are entered into a microprocessor programmed with a suitable algorithm to calculate a temperature corrected moisture value. The method overcomes significant inaccuracies in moisture readings due to temperature dependency.

Abstract: A rain sensor includes a pair of spaced apart parallel conductive rods. The conductive rods are mounted in an insulated housing. The housing includes a pair of angled top wall members which are spaced apart to define a slot, the slot being in an area directly above and parallel to the electrodes. Moisture falling on the housing top wall is collected and directed to the area between the conductive rods.

Abstract: A visual indicating paste composition for producing a detectable color change upon contact with an aqueous solution comprising an indicator dye capable of changing color in the pH range between about 7 and about 11, an inorganic base in the form of a caustic powder dispersed in a liquid carrier capable of absorbing water which is not rapidly leached by water or hydrocarbon, and a minor amount of a boron-containing compound, is provided. When applied to a measuring probe, the paste composition is particularly adapted for detecting the water level in the bottom of tanks and delivery systems containing gasoline, and especially gasoline containing oxygenated blending components, by producing a clear detectable color change without bleeding or run-off upon contact with an aqueous solution. The paste composition exhibits long shelf life and improved water tolerance.

Abstract: A cigarette making machine includes apparatus for determining the internal pressure of an axially moving cigarette rod comprising forming a continuous rod in which a wrapper web surrounds a tobacco filler including an endless impervious flexible tape arranged to be wrapped around at least part of the circumference of the rod, a guide through which the rod and tape are arranged to pass, means for supplying air under pressure to the guide to enter a gap between the guide and the tape; and a monitor for monitoring a physical characteristic of the supplied air. Also included is compensating for the effect which moisture in the tobacco has on the internal pressure of the cigarette rod.

Abstract: Irrigation control apparatus includes:(a) a mast having a lower portion adapted to be removably inserted into the earth,(b) soil moisture sensing structure associated with or separate from said lower portion of the mast, and(c) data transmitting apparatus on an upper portion of the mast and operatively connected with said sensing structure for transmitting to a central station data indicative of soil moisture conditions at the location of the mast.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use for controlling the matric potential of a porous sample in a liquid are described. The apparatus includes a cylindrical porous cup for holding the sample, the cup having an air entry value greater than the matric potential to be imparted to the sample, an outer vesicle adapted to define a chamber between the cup and vesicle for holding the liquid, and means for adjusting the pressure of the liquid in the chamber.

Abstract: A float valve assembly, integral with a water supply system, responds to changes in a predetermined water level inside a test bore to regulate water flow through the float valve into the bore to maintain this water level. The float valve assembly can be positioned at different depths below ground level by suspension at the lower end of a premarked flexible hose (16) hanging freely inside the test bore. The float valve housing (1) is open at its lower end (3), so that water around it in the test bore can raise the float (8) within to throttle the water flowing down through a reducer (13) at the end of the hose and directly above the float. After an initial transient stage, the water in the test bore percolates away from the bore through the soil around it at a steady rate, measured to obtain the steady state percolation rate at that site at the selected depth.

Abstract: An apparatus measuring the matric suction of soil moisture free from adverse effects due to changes in the salinity and temperature of the soil having first and second water-sensitive resistors and circuit electrically connected to the resistors for measuring the ratio of resistance of the resistors as affected by matric suction. A circuit is provided which includes electrodes proximate opposite sides of each resistor and separate layers located between the water-sensitive resistors and at least all of the electrodes but the electrode furthermost from the soil. The separate layers are chemical inert, electrically conductive, finely divided particles which are wettable by an aqueous solution.

Abstract: Method for one-time or continuous nondestructive determination of the penetration and leaching process of conductive phases in materials, wherein the conductivity of the material to be examined is measured in thin superposed layers in that, after applying voltage to pairs of oppositely disposed conductor paths associated with these layers, the current flow through separate layers of the material is measured and an increase of the current in increasingly deep layers indicates the advance of the front of the penetrating phase.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a device for monitoring the penetration of vapor from a challenge liquid occluded by a garment material, through the garment material, wherein pressure is applied against the garment material. The vapor which penetrates through the garment material is picked up by an inert carrier gas and detected to determine the protection afforded by the garment material against penetration by the challenge liquid/vapor.

Abstract: An automatic irrigation control system provides the improvement in the prior art, which has previously set irrigation time by a preset or predetermined amounts, by providing for feedback from the field by means of tensiometers or other types of sensors. The tensiometers are made completely automatic and have a continuous analog signal output by the use of a backward gage pressure transducer. The tensiometers also have remote refill capabilities so that they do not have to be manually filled. Energy is saved by time sharing irrigation. Water hammer is prevented by lagging the turn-off of the field which was previously being irrigated until turn-on of the next field. Water ponding is prevented by providing time lag to allow water to penetrate the soil.

Abstract: An inspecting liquid is dropped onto a resist layer formed on a gravure printing plate and is allowed to permeate the resist layer or gelatin resist layer to reach the printing plate so that a short circuit is formed between the inspecting liquid and the printing plate. The time required for forming the short circuit in the resist layer is measured by utilizing an oscillator pulse counting circuit to determine the conditions of the resist layer thereby to improve the quality of the finished printing plate.

Abstract: The mass and moisture content of tobacco forming the filler stream in a cigarette making machine are determined by a pair of capacitor plates placed on opposite sides of the filler stream forming a test capacitor (11). The test capacitor is connected in a series resonance circuit comprising an inductor (20) and a variable frequency voltage source (21) generating voltages which increase in frequency in finite steps over a range above 1 MHz. The voltage source is controlled by a processing unit (24) which also receives an indication of the voltage across the test capacitor (11). The mass and moisture content are derived from the resonance frequency of the capacitor voltage and the magnitude of said voltage at a chosen frequency, preferably the resonance frequency. Signals indicative of mass may be used to control a trimming device (7) preferably in combination with signals from a nucleonic scanner (16).

Abstract: An improved electrical conductance soil moisture sensor for landscape and agriculture comprising electrodes imbedded in a granular medium that is separated from the soil to be measured by a layer of filter cloth supported by a plastic or metal screen.

Abstract: The apparatus for determining the pressure of capillary water in the ground, especially in soil, is of a two-part design and comprises a probe tube and a pressure measuring device. The pressure is measured by means of an elastically deformable membrane. For pneumatically coupling the pressure measuring device with the probe tube the latter is closed by a pierceable and self-sealing closure member. A hollow needle suitable for piercing the closure member is attached to the pressure measuring device. Either at or in the elastically deformable membrane there are arranged mechanical-electrical transducers which can be connected to an electric measuring and evaluation instrument for indicating the pressure which corresponds to the deformation of the membrane.

Abstract: A method for production of a moisture sensor comprising forming a moisture sensitive polymer film on a substrate, disposing a patterned masking material on said moisture sensitive polymer film, and etching said moisture sensitive film by means of an oxygen plasma, whereby a desired fine pattern of the moisture sensitive film is formed with fair accuracy and reproducibility.

Abstract: A moisture sensing element is provided and is constructed of a body having therein a first zone formed of porous material with a first range of pore size having a first mean pore size and a second zone formed of a porous material with a second range of pore size having a second mean pore size such that in use the body is located within a desired soil area under surveillance whereby both the first and second zones are placed in hydraulic conduction with the desired soil area. The first mean pore size is substantially greater than the second mean pore size such that the second zone will remain hydrated when the first zone is becoming dehydrated. Electrode elements are associated with each of the first and second zones in spaced relation and define therebetween respective electric current flow paths through each of the first and second zones for sensing an electrical property of each of the zones.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring soil moisture potential comprising a moisture absorber movably coupled to the soil being measured by means for maintaining said absorber in moisture potential equilibrium with said soil and permitting weight measurement of said absorber. The instrument includes scale means for weighing said absorber to determine moisture content thereof and provide an indication of soil moisture potential. The instrument includes adjustable controls for calibration.

Abstract: A control circuit for controlling the self-cleaning function of a humidity sensor provides accurate control of the temperature of a humidity responsive region during the self-cleaning mode and an improved humidity detecting characteristic during the humidity detecting mode by changing the characteristics of the control circuit for the humidity sensor having self-cleaning function through the variation of resistances, such a variation being dependent upon the mode of the sensor.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for continuously determining the moisture content of a spoilable grain product which is moved along a processing line as a product stream and passed, at least in part, downwardly through a measuring section of a housing in accordance with the process, a pourable average of the product stream is created continuously within the measuring section, and the product moisture content of this product average is measured electrically on a continuous basis. In accordance with the device, the measuring housing has a capacitor as a continuous-flow measuring section and a device for continuously controlling the creation of a pourable product average.

Abstract: An apparatus and process is disclosed for enabling the measurement of moisture in a sample cell by use of microwave energy. A sample cell of predetermined volume is located within an anechoic chamber and positioned on a weight measuring device to measure the weight of any material in the sample cell. Microwave energy is directed through the material in the sample cell by means of a transmitter and receiver to provide a measurement of the water weight in the sample. A temperature sensor is located to measure the temperature in the cell and the reading is combined with the microwave water weight measurement and the weight of the sample to calculate the percent moisture and the bulk density of the material.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to measure the wetting efficacy of certain dust control chemical additives. These additives are commonly sprayed on the dust to control and/or prevent the dissemination of the dust into the atmosphere. The device comprises a plurality of dust collection cylinders, each of which is adapted to retain a dust sample and the particular chemical additive for which testing is desired. A support is provided to support the cylinders and a visual display is operatively associated with the cylinders so as to indicate when the particular additive has completely penetrated the dust and thereby contacted the visual display.

Abstract: A dew sensor of direct current type and resistance-lowering type with increasing humidity for quick and sharp detection of dewing is provided, which comprises a pair of counterposed electrodes, humidity-sensitive layer of insulating porous metal oxide with a porosity of 20 to 60% provided on and between the counterposed electrodes, and an organic polymer coating layer having a thickness of 0.05 to 2 .mu.m provided on the humidity-sensitive layer.

Abstract: A method and a device for measuring the maturity of concrete, in which the heat generated by the setting of the concrete causes a special liquid to evaporate and the amount of evaporated liquid is taken as a measure of the concrete maturity. The liquid is contained in a closed capillary tube placed on a scale. For measuring purposes the capillary tube is broken at a well-defined point, and capillary and scale are then placed in a casing containing an absorbing agent for the evaporated liquid. The casing is hermetically sealed and pressed into the concrete. For reading purposes the casing is opened and the scale with the capillary is removed to determine the level of the liquid column and thus the maturity of the concrete.

Abstract: A device for visually indicating the moisture content of a potted plant includes a housing defining opposing openings in which an elongated flexible visual moisture indicating member is disposed. A reciprocally moveable support member is operatively associated with the housing and is fixed to the indicating member so that movement of the support member between high and low positions responsively effects flexible downward and upward displacement, respectively, of the exposed portion of the indicating member extending exteriorly of the housing. In such a manner, the moisture content of a potted plant can be quickly ascertained by visual inspection of the relative positioning of the exposed indicator member portion.