Abstract: The onset of ovulation in a female is detected by measuring the water content of the cervical mucus. A pellet made of a water-swellable polymer is inserted into the vagina. The increase in the size of the pellet, that occurs owing to contact with the vaginal mucus for a selected period of time, is measured. The size of the pellet sharply increases at or about the onset of ovulation.

Abstract: A multiple laminate humidity sensing device for visually indicating changes in relative humidity including a moisture impermeable transparent cover layer; an indicator layer including a transparent carrier material and an inorganic salt composition dispersed in the transparent carrier material that provides a known visible color response to changes in relative humidity to which the indicator layer is exposed; and a moisture permeable reflective layer behind the indicator layer so that light passing through the cover layer and the indicator layer is reflected back through the indicator layer and the cover layer so as to be readily visible from that side of the cover layer opposite the indicator layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously monitoring and controlling the composition of a stream of milk is disclosed. A portion of the continuous stream of milk is heated and coupled to a vacuum degasser where the gas in the milk is removed. A portion of the milk is then heated to 45.degree. C. and conveyed to a sound velocity test cell. A second portion of the milk is heated to 65.degree. C. and conveyed to a second sound velocity test cell. The rate at which a sound pulse traverses the milk in each of the cells is determined by determining the frequency with which the pulses traverse the milk in each of the test cells. The resulting frequency is proportional to the velocity of sound through the milk. The frequency values are coupled to a computer wherein two simultaneous linear equations are solved to arrive at the percent fat and the percent solids-not-fat in the milk.

Abstract: A matric potential sensor comprises(a) a housing including a porous wall adapted to be located underground,(b) spaced electrodes carried in the housing to be coupled to a source of electrical current, and(c) granular material located to pass electrical current within the housing and between the electrodes so that the current flow will vary as a function of the moisture content of the granular material, said content adapted to vary as a function of the matric potential of the soil surrounding the housing in response to moisture transmission through the porous housing into the surrounding soil.Special circuitry adapts the sensor for use with a solenoid type irrigation valve controller.

Abstract: The glass pane of a vehicle window is provided on the surface of its central viewing area with a plurality of spaced, parallel linear heating resistors. First and second buses, disposed laterally of the central viewing area, extend transversely of the resistors and supply electric power thereto. A pair of moisture sensing, electrically conductive probes are provided on the pane at widely spaced zones away from the central viewing area. Each probe includes a first portion coextensive in length with a resistor and running parallel thereto. At least one of the probes has a second portion running parallel to one of the buses.

Abstract: A soil moisture indicator including a rigid planar base member having sufficient strength to permit its partial insertion into soil adjacent growing plants and a water absorbent member, such as blotter paper, secured to the base member. Overlying the water absorbent sheet adhesively secured thereto is a transparent water impervious layer, the layer having an increment extending beyond the longitudinal extremities of the water absorbent sheet, the incremental portions being adhesively secured to the base member so that abrasive forces on the water absorbent sheet during insertion into the soil are avoided. An improved method for manufacturing the devices in a highly efficient and automated fashion.

Abstract: A window has a heating grid and a moisture sensor formed thereon for connection to a detector which automatically controls the heating. The sensor has an output terminal and another terminal connected to a heating conductor, the sensor being positioned outwardly of the heating grid with the area of the sensor including the output terminal lying in the heating zone. Advantageously the outer limit of the sensor is closely adjacent the outer limit of the heating zone. The output terminal is positioned between the outward limit of the sensor electrodes and the boundary heating conductor. A shield electrode connected to the heating conductor may be provided. The sensor may be located between a pair of heating conductors adjacent a heating grid collector with one electrode connected to the conductors. For deep windows, the sensor may be located in an offset branched section of a boundary heating conductor.

Abstract: A process for drying concrete to the appropriate moisture content for proper impregnation of the concrete with a polymer or a monomer for in situ polymerization. This is accomplished by heating the concrete until its temperature at the desired depth of polymer penetration is at least about 230.degree. F. In another embodiment of the invention the dried concrete is impregnated with a monomer composition capable of polymerization and is polymerized within the concrete.

Abstract: A device for the automatic determination and recordation of rates of fluid absorption in soils, including a plurality of conductive probes which are positioned at various levels with regard to a provided water level such that as the water level drops, the time to accomplish the drop is recorded. The device provides a pair of timing and time recording devices interconnected with the probes such that two individual time sequences may be recorded.

Abstract: A hygrometer or hygrostat containing a hygroscopic body formed of wood.

Abstract: A transducer for converting fluid pressure into pneumatic pressure for relay to a remote readout station comprises a valve body having a chamber spanned by a diaphragm which divides the chamber into a pore-fluid pressure cavity and a transducer cavity. The pore-fluid pressure cavity is in communication with fluid pressure in the environment surrounding the buried valve body. Three ducts communicate with the transducer cavity. The diaphragm carries a centrally located resilient hemisphere within the transducer cavity in axial alignment with only one of said ducts which constitutes a vent from said transducer cavity.

Abstract: A humidity sensitive resistor device for sensing the humidity of an ambient atmosphere. The device has a humidity sensitive resistor formed by a metal oxide sintered substrate having electrodes on one surface thereof, the resistivity of the humidity sensitive resistor decreasing as the ambient humidity which can affect the surface of the humidity sensitive resistor increases; and a heater positioned near the humidity sensitive resistor for applying radiant heat to the surface of the humidity sensitive resistor, which heater can be used for improving the sensitivity of the humidity sensitive resistor. By the application of a slight amount of radiant heat, the humidity sensitivity increases, and by the application of a large amount of strong heat, stains which may be on the surface of the humidity sensitive resistor such as oil can be cleaned off so as to recover the sensitivity of the humidity sensitive resistor which might have been deteriorated by the stain.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in detecting conditions related to a plant are disclosed. More particularly, in accord with the invention, in the method and apparatus are provided a first sensing means for generating an electrical signal corresponding to the light level in the area surrounding a plant, an indication means comprising a meter for providing an indication or reading corresponding to the electrical signal generated by the sensing means, and a reference source in the form of a chart or table for relating the aforesaid indication or reading to a preselected reading associated with the particular plant.In a further aspect of the invention, a second sensing means is additionally provided for sensing another condition of the plant and a coupling means is provided for selectively coupling the first and second sensing means to the meter of the indication means.

Abstract: A portable tensiometer for measuring the moisture content of soil, including an elongated housing tube having a hollow porous tip mounted thereon for insertion in the soil, and a hollow handle element having a vacuum gauge secured to one end and a cylinder defining a chamber of adjustable volume at the other end. Capillary tubing, which connects the interior of the porous tip to the adjustable-volume chamber and to the vacuum gauge to form a sealed, normally water-filled system, and the use of a minimal volume of water in the instrument minimizes errors due to changes in temperature to which the instrument is subjected.

Abstract: Method of monitoring and indicating the concentration of vapor components at a phase interface comprising sampling vapor at the vapor source phase interface, comparing the vapor concentration in the sample with a standard, and indicating the concentration of the vapor relative to the standard. A monitoring device is disclosed which comprises a sensing means and means for responsively coupling the sensing means to the vapor source phase to be monitored so that a representative vapor sample is presented to the sensing means. The method and device disclosed herein can be advantageously used to monitor volatile components, especially moisture, available to potted plants.

Abstract: A liquid gauge mechanism of the type primarily designed to be used in containers utilized for maintaining or growing plants therein wherein the casing of the gauge mechanism is at least partially submerged within the root system and surrounding liquid so as to indicate the level of liquid within the container. An indicator element is movably disposed within the hollow container of the gauge mechanism and has indicia formed thereon so as to be viewable through the casing of the indicator means. The level of liquid within the container is the same as the level of liquid within the casing. The indicator element being floatable within the casing serves to position the indicia thereon in aligned relation with a window or viewing portion through the casing so as to indicate the level of the liquid relative to the root system of the plant maintained within the container.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, measuring the moisture content of flat textile structures, especially textile webs, wherein the test material is guided over at least one grounded ground-electrode and at least one further electrode is applied to the test material at the side opposite such ground-electrode. The surface of the further electrode is divided into positive, grounded and negative regions.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, measuring the moisture content or dampness of flat structures, especially textile webs, wherein the flat structure has electrical charges withdrawn therefrom prior to initiating the measuring operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the moisture content of grain includes a probe having an oscillator circuit therein. The oscillator circuit includes a function generator, temperature sensing means in contact with the grain and a pair of juxtapositioned capacitor electrodes within the probe, but not in contact with the grain. The output of the oscillator circuit is connected to readout means including a phase locked loop, operational amplifier and indicating means.

Abstract: Liquid waste material passes from a septic tank to a holding tank prior to being pumped into a tiled drain field. The liquid waste material is only pumped into the drain field when the liquid saturation of the soil in and around the drain field is below a predetermined level. The saturation level is determined by RF admittance sensing probes which extend into the soil in the area of the drain field.

Abstract: This invention provides a humidity sensor having a negative coefficient of resistivity for relative humidity, which comprises 99.99 to 10 mole percent of iron oxide (Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3) and 0.01 to 90 mole percent of at least one member selected from alkali metal oxides, which are lithium oxide (Li.sub.2 O), sodium oxide (Na.sub.2 O), potassium oxide (K.sub.2 O) and cesium oxide (Cs.sub.2 O). The amount of the alkali metal oxide in the sensor is preferably 0.01 to 25 mole percent. This sensor is advantageous because it can accurately detect the changes in humidity and it has a long, stable life.

Abstract: A multiple laminae humidity sensing device for visually indicating changes in relative humidity including a moisture impermeable transparent support layer having a viewing side and a sensing side opposite said viewing side; an indicator layer with a plurality of filter cells, each including a transparent carrier material and an inorganic salt composition dispersed in the transparent carrier material that provides a known visible color response to changes in relative humidity on the sensing side of the support layer and a moisture permeable reflective layer behind the indicator layer so that light passing through the support layer and the indicator layer is reflected back through the indicator layer and the support layer through the viewing side of the support layer so as to be readily visible from the viewing side of the support layer.

Abstract: A device for sensing wet tire cord fabric treated with a liquid bonding agent carried by a vaporizable solvent. The device is characterized by a chamber in which solvent vapor is accumulated. The chamber is formed between a pair of rotatable metal rolls which engage fabric moving past them. A conventional gas analyzer is coupled to the chamber for drawing fluid from the chamber and making an analysis of the fluid to determine if the fabric is still wet and has not been sufficiently dried.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, measuring the moisture content of flat textile structures, especially textile webs, wherein there are produced, by virtue of the measuring operation, useful signal components of the same polarity dependent upon the conductance of the test material. There are produced disturbance signal components of opposite polarity dependent upon external voltages. And the useful signal components are additively processed into a measurement value, whereas the disturbance signal components, by addition thereof, due to their opposite polarity, at least approximately eliminate one another.

Abstract: An irrigation control apparatus, particularly suited to drop-by-drop irrigation, is provided and which comprises an assembly for electrically controlling the starting and stopping of an irrigation system by means of two electrodes which are spaced both vertically and laterally from each other. A "bulb" of humid soil is produced during irrigation and the upper electrode of the two is laterally off-set with respect to the axis of symmetry of the bulb, by a distance equal to at least half of the maximum radius of the bulb, and is situated at the upper limit of the bulb. The lower electrode of the two is arranged in a diametrically opposite position, at a point laterally off-set with respect to the said axis, but in the inverse sense, also by at least half the maximum radius of the bulb and is situated at the lower limit of the bulb.The precise relative positions of the electrodes are determined by the shape of the bulb which in turn depends on the nature of the soil to be irrigated.

Abstract: A plant moisture indicator is provided comprising a piece of wood cut across the grain with a moisture retardant substance applied to one side of the indicator, whereby the indicator will tend to bend in the presence of moisture and straighten up when dry. Preferably the device is constructed in the form of a U having two such opposed members, whereby the U will close in the presence of moisture and open in the absence of moisture.

Abstract: A soil moisture indicator device for plants comprises an electrical circuit which includes an unbalanced resistive bridge having the common junctions of the resistors on its opposite sides connected to control the switching of a pair of indicator lights. Current drawn through the resistance of the soil as sensed by a probe is used to adjust the output voltages on the sides of the unbalanced resistive bridge to switch on one of the indicator lights if the soil has at least an adequate moisture content and to switch on the other of the indicator lights if the soil has an excessive moisture content.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for measuring the water activity of substances, especially victuals such as meat and meat products, containing free water, which has a lower section and an upper section detachably connected to the lower section. The lower section houses one or more measuring instruments comprising a container for receiving the sample of the victual to be checked. Mounted above the container is an instrument support supporting the instrument proper with corresponding pointer and scale observable through an observation opening in the upper section. The upper and lower sections preferably consist of foamed synthetic material, especially polystyrol hard foam.

Abstract: A device to measure the moisture content of the stratum coreum of human skin by means of a stray field capacitor, including means to process, and display a quantitative reading from the stray field capacitor measurement.

Abstract: For each rod-shaped article or group of articles there is generated a respective first signal dependent upon both the density and the moisture of the filling material. There is also generated a second signal dependent upon the moisture of the filling material. The first and second signals are processed to form for the respective articles respective third signals dependent upon the mass of the filling material but not exhibiting the moisture dependency of the corresponding first signals. The second signal is generated by determining from the generated third signals which of the articles are defective because they contain insufficient filling material and which are non-defective because they contain sufficient filling material. An average signal is derived from only those first signals derived from non-defective ones of the articles. The second signal is derived from the average signal.

Abstract: An electrically heated window for a vehicle includes a smooth surfaced transparent sheet having a plurality of spaced electric resistance heating conductors on the surface thereof. A humidity detector is provided on the inside surface of the sheet and includes two sets of conductors standing in relief above the surface of the sheet and each having substantially the shape of a comb with the teeth of the two combs interdigitated and extending substantially in the direction of maximum slope of the sheet. The back of the upper comb defines a gutter for the diversion of water droplets from the area occupied by the teeth of the combs.

Abstract: An analog scanner for the control of various industrial, agricultural and domestic operations and processes comprising at least two pairs of probes utilized for measuring a physical property of a medium therebetween including at least a pair of control signal sources, at least a pair of reference level controllers, at least a pair of sensor selectors, and at least a pair of control actuators. A timing mechanism including a counter is connected to the signal sources for selectively energizing one of the signal sources associated with a particular position of the counter in sequence with the other of the sources. Each pair of sensor selectors senses the physical property of the medium between its probes and develops a voltage proportionate to the value of the physical property of the medium between the probes.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of controlling moving fabric weight per unit length in strips made up of different pieces which comprises predetermining the desired absolute weight per unit length of the finished fabric; predicting accurately the absolute weight per unit length of the moving finished fabric; determining any error difference in the absolute weights, recognizing the beginning and end of each piece of fabric; adjusting the input feed rate according to the error difference between the desired weight of the finished fabric and the predetermined finished weight; determining that a new piece of fabric has reached the exit site of a primary feed station; predicting accurately the weight of a new piece of pre-finished material and comparing this weight with the stored weight of pre-finished material of the prior piece to determine the percentage difference in weight of the prior piece in the formative zone or tenter to the new piece that will subsequently reach the infeed station to the tenter; and controlli

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the approximate optimum moisture content required to facilitate compaction of earthy and/or granular material wherein a sample of the material to be compacted is subjected to compressive force while contained within a container and then removed therefrom and examined for behavior characteristics which give indication of its existant moisture content relative to the optimum requirement for best compaction of the sampled material.

Abstract: The material whose mass is to be determined is transported along a predetermined path. At a measurement station it forms the dielectric of a capacitor which is part of a high-frequency oscillator circuit. The capacitance of the capacitor and the attenuation of the high-frequency oscillator circuit at resonance are measured and the mass of the material, such as tobacco, is automatically calculated by means of an nth degree polynomial whose constants are stored in the computer and whose variables are the signals corresponding to the resonant attenuation and capacitance. The mass of a substance, such as moisture, associated with the tobacco is calculated similarly, but utilizing different constants. The polynomials can be expanded to include temperature terms.

Abstract: This invention relates to the reproduction of all the essential moisture sorption characteristics of dead wildland fuels through use of an inorganic fuel moisture analog sensor. This inorganic fuel moisture analog sensor is calibrated to and reproduces all of the essential moisture sorption characteristics of dead wildland fuels without being subject to any of the undesirable characteristics associated with wood sensors. This analog is keyed to selectable response timelags, the size of these dead fuels, their water sorption processes, their radiation characteristics, and their thermal properties. This analog is fabricated from activated aluminum as the active material with calcium aluminate as the bonding agent.

Abstract: A moisture gauge for a hanging potted plant, which comprises a generally U-shaped spring element comprising a spring coil and a pair of approximately parallel arms extending from said spring coil shaped to provide notches opposite one-another at spaced intervals along the facing edges of the two arms, one of said arms terminating in an indicator, the other arm having a cross-wise extension providing a moisture indicating scale. Adjoining segments of the pendant support by which the hanging potted plant is supported are connected respectively to oppositely notched portions of the two arms selected with reference to the weight of the potted plant when fully watered, so that the indicator will be extended as accurately as possible to the fully watered position.

Abstract: In the present invention the moisture content of foods is determined and controlled by moving the product continuously past one or both of two sensing devices; a nuclear magnetic resonance sensor and a vector impedance sensor which measures the impedance and phase angle resulting from the application of an alternating current of predetermined frequency. The resulting signals are fed to automatic data processing equipment for determining the moisture content as a function of the frequency in Hertz, the phase angle in degrees expressed from -90.degree. through 0.degree. to +90.degree., and optionally the impedance and the NMR liquid content. The resulting signal which varies as the moisture content is used to control the addition of water or solids to the material to thereby regulate its moisture content.

Abstract: A mixed potential measurement utilizing a strip chart recording voltmeter coupled between the metal and its oxide immersed in the sealing solution is determinative of percent hydration of the part in situ during the sealing process.

Abstract: An irrigation system controller that operationally ties the dispensing of water to the soil directly to the need thereof without requiring continuous monitoring by the irrigation manager. If a preselected water supply period is not sufficient to attain a desired moisture content in the soil due either to an insufficient estimate on the part of the manager or a power or equipment failure or unforeseen change in weather, a warning device or other electrically-operated signal calls attention to the need for the selection of a new longer water supply period or a correction of the power or equipment failure. A pushbutton switch resets the warning system. If the preselected water supply period is sufficient to maintain the desired moisture content, a feed-back loop automatically controls the dispensation of water to maintain the desired moisture content of the soil.

Abstract: Moisture testing instruments for use in heaped, loose material include a neutron source and a detector. The instrument is calibrated by duplicating the test volume as calibrating container and by radiometrically as well as gravimetrically detecting the moisture content, which is varied either by evaporation while the moisture is spread or by adding determined quantities of water.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for simultaneously measuring the liquid absorbent capacity and the wetting rate of absorbent structures as a function of volume and time. These absorbency characteristics can be measured at a zero or a negative hydrostatic head, where the absorbency characteristics are due only to the liquid drawing power of the absorbent structure, or at a positive hydrostatic head. The device comprises: a liquid reservoir for holding a column of liquid where the reservoir has an opening at its bottom and is closed at the top; an orifice plate having a liquid delivery orifice which is in flow communication with the opening in the reservoir through a flow communication means; an air bleed orifice in the liquid reservoir between the top and bottom thereof and in fluid communication with the atmosphere; and a means for adjusting the relative heights of the air bleed orifice to the orifice plate.

Abstract: An indicator device is provided for insertion into the potting soil of a conventional house plant, for monitoring the moisture content thereof. The indicator includes a plastic housing encapsulating an elongated wick extending from a lower point where it is exposed beneath the soil level thereof to an upper point in an indicator chamber formed in the housing. The wick surrounds but does not touch a "signal element" comprising a layer of moisture-sensitive, color changeable substance (e.g., cobalt chloride), to carry moisture to the vicinity of the "signal element". The substance changes color in response to predetermined gains (or losses) in moisture content. Included in the housing structure are a plurality of vents adjacent the indicator chamber for precisely regulating the rate of evaporation therein, to control the response of the indicator to the moisture changes in the soil being monitored.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing soil percolation tests. A housing member has upper and lower portions, with the lower portion adapted for insertion into a soil percolation test opening in the soil. A depth gauging member is mounted within the housing member for translational movement with respect to the housing member. The soil percolation test opening is filled to a predetermined level with water and the depth gauging member translated to a position indicative of the water level. After a predetermined time the water level in the percolation test opening falls due to absorption by the soil and the depth gauging member is translated to a new position indicative of the new water level. Calibration markings on the housing permit a direct reading of the amount by which the depth gauging member has been translated, which corresponds to the amount the water level in the percolation test opening has fallen.

Abstract: A tensiometer having a vacuum gauge which is connected to a sensing unit including a ceramic cup, which is located remote from said gauge, by a conductor in the form of a capillary tube. A second capillary bleeder tube communicates with and leads from the ceramic cup and has a second end which is located below the level of the other end of the conducting tube, so that when said second end of the bleeder tube is exposed, the escape of air therefrom can be visually determined, during purging of the device, so that after all air has been removed from the tubes, the tensiometer can be sealed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the porosity or density of a porous structure surface is disclosed. A controlled quantity of volatile liquid is applied to a porous surface and is allowed to evaporate. The temperature at the surface reaches equilibrium at the point necessary to supply the latent heat of vaporization of the liquid. This equilibrium temperature depends on the evaporation rate, which has been found to be a function of surface porosity. The porosimeter substantially eliminates other factors influencing evaporation rate, and measures and records the temperature at the surface. Once calibrated with samples of known porosity, this system is capable of making rapid, accurate surface porosity measurements.