Moisture Content Or Absorption Characteristic Of Material Patents (Class 73/73)
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Publication number: 20140352413Abstract: Disclosed herein is a moisture transmission testing instrument of measuring moisture transmission of an electronic material, the moisture transmission testing instrument including: a moisture supplying part having an opened upper portion and having water stored therein; a sample support part stacked on the moisture supplying part so as to be communicated with the moisture supplying part and having a sample seated on an upper side thereof; and a moisture collecting part stacked on the sample support part so as to be communicated with the sample support part and having a dehumidifying agent installed therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2014Publication date: December 4, 2014Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Hee Jin PARK, Seung Mi LEE, Suk Jin HAM
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Patent number: 8887546Abstract: A method for analyzing moisture content in an analyzer. In one embodiment a sample is introduced into an analyzer and an initial weight is obtained. The sample is then fortified where it is allowed to pick-up moisture. The temperature of the analyzer is increased and an initial fortified point is obtained wherein the sample has returned to its initial weight. Thereafter the analyzer obtains the final moisture content of the sample at a test finish time. In one embodiment satellite analyzers are biased against a standard analyzer so that more uniform results are obtained.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2013Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.Inventors: Wilfred M. Bourg, Jr., Scott Fagan
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Patent number: 8890550Abstract: An electrical device for detecting moisture has a detection cable (10a, 10b, 10c) made up of a first element (1) and of a second element (2a, 2b, 2c) which elements are elongate and electrically conducting and separated by a polymer-based material (3), and an electrical resistance measurement appliance intended to measure the electrical resistance between the first and second elements of the the cable, where the material (3) is a non-soluble and moisture-sensitive material.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2011Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: NexansInventors: Laurent Tribut, Yann Breton, Ivar Granheim
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Publication number: 20140331749Abstract: A pet training pad with diagnostic materials to detect wetness includes an impermeable bottom layer, at least one absorbent layer, a wetness indicator, and a permeable top layer. The at least one absorbent layer is connected on to the impermeable bottom layer, and the wetness indicator is positioned on the at least one absorbent layer. The permeable top layer is positioned on the at least one absorbent layer and perimetrically connected to the impermeable bottom layer enclosing the at least one absorbent layer. When any kind of bodily fluid penetrates through the permeable top layer, the wetness indicator detects the bodily fluid within the training pad and is able to visually indicate the wetness of the training pad to pet owners or caregivers.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2014Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: MEDNET DIRECT CORPInventor: Robert PERISSI
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Patent number: 8857367Abstract: Connector structures for electronic devices may be provided with moisture indicators. The connector structures may include a connector such as data port connector that has a rear opening. A moisture barrier structure may cover the rear of the data port connector and may have an opening that is aligned with the rear opening. A moisture indicator may cover the opening in the moisture barrier structure. A transparent window structure such as a layer of clear film may be used to prevent moisture from traveling through the rear opening of the data port connector and the opening in the moisture barrier structure to the moisture indicator. An audio port connector may be provided with a moisture indicator and a transparent window structure that helps prevent moisture from reaching the moisture indicator through the audio port connector.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2011Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Jason Sloey, John Ardisana
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Publication number: 20140303854Abstract: An on-the-go monitor and control means and method for an agriculture machines includes on-the-go soil sensors that can be used to control tillage and seeding depth. On seeder implements, the sensors provide information that affects uniform plant emergence.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2013Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: AG LEADER TECHNOLOGYInventor: Roger R. Zielke
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Patent number: 8851745Abstract: A hygrometer and dew-point instrument is provided that is structurally simple while reducing the workload during maintenance. The hygrometer measures relative humidity of a measurement space, and has a main body that encapsulates a working fluid therein and causes a heat-pipe phenomenon. The main body is disposed across the measurement space and an external space spaced from the measurement space by a heat-insulating part and has a temperature lower than the measurement space. A first temperature deriving part derives the temperature of the main body in a section where the working fluid evaporates. A space temperature detecting unit detects the temperature of the measurement space. A computation unit calculate relative humidity of the measurement space based on the temperature of the main body derived by the first temperature deriving part and the temperature of the measurement space detected by the space temperature detecting unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2012Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Espec Corp.Inventor: Shinichirou Sakami
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Publication number: 20140260570Abstract: A sensor assembly is provided for measuring moisture content of concrete. The sensor assembly includes a sensor housing that is received within an opening in the concrete. The sensor housing includes an internal bore. The sensor housing is length adjustable so as to match a length of the opening. The sensor assembly further includes a moisture sensor received within the internal bore of the sensor housing. The sensor measure the moisture content of the concrete.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventor: Christopher James Elliott Ranwell
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Publication number: 20140260571Abstract: A progressive, or graded, passive moisture detector is configured to provide an indication of the amount of moisture to which a moisture-sensitive substrate has been exposed, a duration of time that a moisture-sensitive substrate has been exposed to moisture or the effectiveness of one or more protective coatings at preventing moisture-sensitive components from being exposed to moisture. A progressive passive moisture detector includes a plurality of different passive moisture detectors with different properties. The passive moisture detectors may be arranged in a manner (e.g., a sequence, etc.) that correlates to information the progressive passive moisture detector is intended to provide.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: HzO, Inc.Inventor: Blake Stevens
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Publication number: 20140250988Abstract: An apparatus determines the dryness of inked paper using laser light absorption technique for application in inkjet printers. Direct in-line feedback is provided as to the effectiveness of the drying of the ink placed deposited upon paper or other media. Associated laser system designs and the technologies employed in the determination of drying efficiency of inks and other liquids placed upon a media are enabled.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2013Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: 7-SIGMA, INC.Inventors: Wade R. Eichhorn, Kristian G. Wyrobek
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Patent number: 8813541Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring atmospheric water content, are provided. The method includes measuring a first air temperature and a first air pressure at a first location in a compressor, measuring a second air temperature and a second air pressure at a second location in the compressor, computing a ratio of specific heats from the first and second air temperatures and the first and second air pressures, and determining an atmospheric water content from the ratio of specific heats.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Charles B. Spinelli, Brian J. Tillotson, Tamaira E. Ross
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Publication number: 20140230917Abstract: A moisture sensing water system comprising at least one moisture sensor coupled with at least one wheel coupled with a water conveyance system, the at least one moisture sensor pierces the ground during each rotation of the at least one wheel and performs a moisture sensing. A moisture information converter receives the moisture sensing information and converts the moisture sensing information into a signal indicative of the moisture content of the ground. A moisture content provider provides the signal indicative of the moisture content of the ground in a user accessible format to automatically control the amount of water disseminated by the moisture sensing watering system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2013Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LIMITEDInventor: Robert James Lindores
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Patent number: 8800353Abstract: Described herein are systems, apparatuses and methods for the design and use of a suction-controlled box for the measurement of stress-dependent soil and water characteristics, shear strength, volume changes and consolidation characteristics from a single unsaturated soil specimen. The suction-controlled box can include a suction control part and a mechanical loading part, which can apply various suctions and mechanical loadings to test a specimen for a full range of suctions. The suction-controlled box can also include a helical water compartment that can flush diffused air bubbles.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2011Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: The Hong Kong University of Science and TechnologyInventor: Charles Wang Wai Ng
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Publication number: 20140216143Abstract: The invention relates to a device, system and method for measuring moisture in building structures. A tubular body part (100) may be embedded in a material during its casting. Hole(s) (106) provided in the body part (100) lets moisture inside a space separated by the body part (100). Measuring element including electronics (102) and a sensor (104) functionally connected to the body part (100) is used to measure the separated space 108. With a reading device (234), the results may then be read from above surface due to a provided wireless link between the measuring element (102) and (104) and the reading device (234).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2012Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: WIISTE OYInventors: Risto-Matti Salmi, Toni Luopajarvi
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Publication number: 20140210492Abstract: A moisture meter for determining the moisture content of particulate material is provided. The moisture meter comprises a frame part, a space, a measuring cup disposed within said space for receiving a sample of the particulate material which moisture is to be measured, and moisture measuring means. The moisture meter comprises a swiping means for removing at least partly a part of a sample of particulate material which moisture is to be measured, which part of the sample of particulate material extends out of the inner space of the measuring cup through the open end of the measuring cup. The swiping means are movably attached to the frame part for movement in a swiping path where a swiping member of the swiping means is configured to move essentially along the open end of the measuring cup.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: Agratronix LLCInventors: Janne Kivijarvi, Jere Keskiaho, Johannes Hyrsky
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Patent number: 8783206Abstract: Disclosed is a wet label that includes a submergence check layer capable of being discolored according to an environmental change (e.g., water, moisture, dampness, etc.). The disclosed wet label includes an adhesive layer; a coating layer provided under the adhesive layer; and a submergence check layer provided under the coating layer, which is discolored according to an internal environmental change, wherein the coating layer blocks environment changes from contacting the submergence check layer. Furthermore, a discolored part of the submergence check layer may be visually checked.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jin-Young Kwak
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Publication number: 20140196525Abstract: In a sensor device for detecting moisture on a pane comprising at least one transmitter which emits light which is reflected at the pane and received by at least one receiver, an optical system is provided between the transmitter and the receiver, which brings about a multiple reflection between the pane and the optical system. A particularly good measurement is thereby made possible.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2014Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: Hella KGaA Hueck & Co.Inventors: Thomas NIEMANN, Torsten EGGERS
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Publication number: 20140186215Abstract: A dew condensation sensor is described, including a nano-composite for generating local surface plasmon resonance, a light reflecting member disposed on one side of the nano-composite, a protection layer laminated on the light reflecting member, a light source/light receiver disposed facing the nano-composite, a spectroscope (or photo-detector) for detecting the light reflected by the light source/light receiver, a controller connected to the light source/light receiver and the spectroscope (or photo-detector) and used for overall control thereof, and a display unit connected to the controller. The dew condensation sensor detects occurrence of dew condensation based on the variation in the absorption spectrum, the absorption intensity or the reflected-light intensity of the local surface plasmon resonance of the nano-composite.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2012Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: NIPPON STEEL & SUMIKIN CHEMICAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Ryuzo Shinta, Yasufumi Matsumura, Yasushi Enomoto
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Patent number: 8763480Abstract: A dew formation testing device has an adjustment tank capable of adjusting the temperature and humidity of air to predetermined temperature and humidity, a testing tank installed separately from the adjustment tank and having a sample base that has a mounting surface, onto which a testing sample W can be placed, and that is capable to cool the mounting surface, and ducts that link the adjustment unit and the testing tank. The testing tank is provided with an air guide member that, when air flowing into the testing tank through the duct flows onto the sample base from a side of the sample base, guides the air in the direction tilted downward at a predetermined angle, the guidance being performed at a position right above the sample base at an end thereof which is on the upstream side of the air flow.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2010Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignees: Espec Corp., Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tetsuya Shimada, Hirokazu Tanaka, Akira Okamoto, Yoshinori Mizuma, Seiichi Okada
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Publication number: 20140155851Abstract: The present subject matter relates to absorbent articles and signaling devices for use therewith. The signaling device includes one or more non-invasive sensors configured to detect the presence of a substance, such as a body fluid, in the absorbent article. The signaling device can provide an audible and/or visible alert to the user of the absorbent article when it detects the presence of a substance. The absorbent article includes one or more identifiable characteristics the presence of which permits operation of the signaling device. In this manner, the present disclosure provides for product and signaling device matching for use.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2014Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, Sudhanshu Gakhar, Andrew Mark Long, Davis-Dang H Nhan
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Patent number: 8744773Abstract: An intelligent rain sensor incorporates at least one hygroscopic member and a sensor that generates signals representative of its amount of expansion due to absorption of moisture. A microcontroller executes a pre-programmed algorithm that determines at least the rate of expansion and uses that information to distinguish between actual rainfall events on the one hand, and high humidity, dew or a light sprinkle on the other hand, and sends a shut off command to an irrigation controller.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2010Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.Inventors: Peter J. Woytowitz, La Monte D. Porter
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Patent number: 8733155Abstract: The present invention is directed to an irrigation sprinkler sensor for sensing if a sprinkler riser has elevated, if water is flowing through the sprinkler riser, if the sprinkler is rotating, or if a sprinkler valve has properly closed.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2011Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: The Toro CompanyInventors: Jason Lester Hill, Thomas H. Runge, Alex Korol
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Patent number: 8720255Abstract: A water uptake measurement system for measuring uptake of a fluid by a sample includes a sample chamber, a suspension component and a supply interface. A suspension aperture is located at a first end of the sample chamber and extends from an outer surface of the sample chamber to an inner surface of the sample chamber. The suspension component passes through the suspension aperture and is configured to support the sample within the internal cavity such that the sample is spaced apart from the inner surface of the sample chamber. The supply interface is configured to deliver the fluid to the internal cavity of the sample chamber.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.Inventors: Gregory DiLeo, Rameshwar Yadav, Kevork Adjemian
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Publication number: 20140123738Abstract: Apparatus for physically analyzing soil includes a sample changer for receiving at least two soil-sample holders, and having an element for placing each sample holder and sample thereof in a measurement area, in turns, according to a cycle repeated over time, the apparatus including: elements for measuring the size of the samples; elements for measuring the potential of the samples containing water; and elements for measuring the weight of the samples, wherein all of the measuring elements are grouped together in the measurement area so as to be simultaneously used implemented for a given sample when the latter is placed in the measurement area. The shrinkage curve and water potential curve, obtained from the measurements, represent the change, over time, in the status of the water and structure of the soil sample during the drying thereof, and can be used to determine the hydrostructural characteristics of the soil.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2012Publication date: May 8, 2014Inventors: Gerard Bellier, Erik Braudeau
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Patent number: 8714181Abstract: A tensiometer for use in determining matric potential of a soil includes a water inlet; a hydraulic coupler comprising a porous material for providing hydraulic coupling between water that enters the inlet and the soil; and a septum that seals water that enters the inlet against ingress of air via the porous material.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2011Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignees: Netafim, Ltd., Yissum Research Development Company of the Hebrew University of JerusalemInventors: Uri Shani, Abraham Schweitzer
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Publication number: 20140116122Abstract: A sensor device package includes a pressure sensor and a humidity sensor mounted on the same substrate and in the same housing with light protection for the pressure sensor a media opening for gas exchange for the humidity sensor. Light protection and rapid response times are provided through strategic positioning of the media opening, strategic arrangement of the pressure sensor, humidity sensor, and the media opening, and/or the use of opaque materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2013Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicants: Robert Bosch Tool Corporation, Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Gerhard Lammel, Sybille Waffenschmidt, Ando Feyh, Gary O'Brien, Andrew Graham
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Patent number: 8707781Abstract: A sensor senses a magnitude of a physical parameter of the sensor's environment. The sensor has first and second electrodes, and a material layer between them. The material has an electrical property, e.g., capacitance or resistance, whose value depends on the magnitude of the physical parameter. The first electrode is formed in a first layer, and the second electrode is formed in a second layer, different from the first layer. The first layer has a trench and an elevation next to the trench. The trench has a bottom wall and a side wall. The material is positioned on the bottom wall and on the side wall and on top of the elevation. The trench accommodates at least a part of the second electrode. The second electrode leaves exposed the material formed on top of the elevation.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2009Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: NXP, B.V.Inventors: Aurelie Humbert, Matthias Merz
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Publication number: 20140109659Abstract: This disclosure describes improvements in moisture measurement (and related devices) that reduce variations that can occur due to surface moisture on a target object. Embodiments of the devices include a single conductive feature (e.g., a plate) and elements that can generate a moisture content value from capacitance of a target object. In one embodiment, the device can generate a signal from the fringe field capacitance. The device can use properties (e.g., frequency) of the signal to generate an output that encodes the moisture content value. The output and/or the information the output encodes may be found in a look-up table or other repository that correlates frequency to one or more pre-stored and/or pre-determined moisture content values.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2012Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: Amphenol CorporationInventors: Ratheesh Cheran, Manjunath Veerabhadran Chande
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Publication number: 20140110590Abstract: A system is provided. The system includes a conveyor apparatus configured for conveying a material and a water content measurement system positioned about the conveyor apparatus for determining water content in the material. A dimension characteristic measurement system for detecting one or more dimension characteristics of the material is provided and a computer device is configured to manipulate data received from the water content measurement system and the dimension characteristic measurement system to determine a water content of the material.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2012Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Wewage Hiran Linus Dep, Robert Ernest Troxler
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Publication number: 20140109658Abstract: A moisture probe or sensor including an attachment element configured for attachment to a plant, bush or tree to determine a moisture content of the plant bush or tree. The moisture probe including a transceiver configured to transmit a moisture signal indicative of the moisture content of the plant, tree or plant.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2012Publication date: April 24, 2014Inventor: Carl L.C. Kah, JR.
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Publication number: 20140102183Abstract: A method of evaluating the absorbency of an absorbent article comprises the steps of: (i) providing an absorbent article comprising a topsheet and having a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis, a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end; (ii) disposing the absorbent article in a flat configuration in a plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis of the absorbent article; (iii) twisting the longitudinal ends in opposite directions in planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; (iv) twisting the longitudinal ends in directions opposite that of step (iii); (v) applying artificial bodily fluid to the topsheet of said absorbent article during steps (iii) and/or (iv); and (vi) repeating steps (iii) and (iv) after the artificial bodily fluid is applied to the topsheet.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Sion Agami, Connie Michelle Dunaway, Amanda Marie Romeu
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Patent number: 8695407Abstract: A microtensiometer sensor includes a substrate layer fluidly coupled to an enclosed reservoir. A porous membrane is disposed on a surface of the substrate layer. The membrane defines a liquid side fluidly coupled to the reservoir and a vapor side fluidly coupled to a vapor interface. The porous membrane includes a plurality of through holes fluidly coupling the liquid reservoir to the vapor interface, and a nanoporous filler material disposed within the plurality of through holes. The filler material includes a plurality of open pores having a maximum diameter in the range of 0.2 to 200 nanometers. In one embodiment, the microtensiometer sensor includes a molecular membrane disposed adjacent to the vapor side of the porous membrane. In one example, the molecular membrane is formed of a highly crystalline polytetrafluoroethylene polymer having a microstructure characterized by nodes interconnected by fibrils.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2010Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Cornell UniversityInventors: Abraham D. Stroock, Alan N. Lakso, Vinay Pagay, Bojan Ilic, Meredith Metzler
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Publication number: 20140096600Abstract: To address this and/or other needs, the present inventor devised, among other things, a passive moisture detection probe that can be installed and left in place to continuously indicate whether the moisture-content in the wall-cavity of a building is below or above a desirable level. One exemplary moisture detection assembly includes a moisture-absorbent sensor element and an indicator. The sensor element, which can be placed in contact with the inner surface of a home's exterior sheathing, expands and contracts in response to the moisture content of the sheathing. The indicator, for example a rod, moves in responsive to the expansion and contraction of the sensor element, with its relative position corresponding to the moisture in the exterior sheathing and thus providing an on-going and observable sign of moisture intrusion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2013Publication date: April 10, 2014Inventor: Alan B. Powell
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Patent number: 8683714Abstract: The present invention relates to a dryer (1) comprising a drum (2) which is rotated around its own horizontal axis, a bulkhead (3) which has an opening (4) that enables the laundry to be loaded into the drum (2) and to be unloaded therefrom, a fixing surface (6) which is fixed to the bulkhead (3) and which has at least two apertures (9), and at least two electrodes (5) which are disposed into the apertures (9) and which provide dryness sensing to be performed.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2009Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Arcelik Anonim SirketiInventors: Levent Cinar, Arif Ozarslan
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Patent number: 8671969Abstract: Moisture sensor devices and methods are disclosed herein. One embodiment includes an integrated moisture sensor and controller to be placed in soil comprising a controller circuit for controlling a switch; a sensor circuit comprising a probe and adapted to provide a soil moisture level; and a memory coupled to the controller circuit. The controller, sensor circuits, and the memory integrated into a single device positioned within the soil; the switch coupled to the controller circuit and to be coupled to a control line of an irrigation controller between the controller and a valve, the control line to carry a power signal from the controller to the valve; the controller circuit is adapted to cause interruption of irrigation based on the moisture level of the soil and a soil moisture threshold; the memory adapted to store data of the soil moisture threshold level and the moisture level of the soil.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2011Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Daniel D. Dresselhaus, Kevin G. O'Brien
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Patent number: 8671741Abstract: A moisture content sensing system is described comprising a collar mechanically coupled with a clean grain transport system. An extendable support extends through the collar and has an extendable capacitive sensor element disposed at one end. The extendable support is configured to be located at a first position in which the extendable capacitive sensor element is disposed adjacent to clean grain conveyed by the clean grain transport system and moved to a second position wherein the extendable capacitive sensor element is disposed at least partially within the clean grain of the clean grain transport system.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2011Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Trimble Navigation LimitedInventors: Michael Cash, D'Anne Beukelaur Hanks, Arthur F. Lange, Brian Jackman, Brian A. Jackson
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Publication number: 20140060164Abstract: A moisture status measuring device includes a moisture sensor, a drainage sensor, and a moisture status acquirer. The moisture sensor outputs an output value according to an amount of moisture contained in soil housed in a container that includes drainage holes. The drainage sensor detects water discharged from the drainage holes. The moisture status acquirer acquires moisture status information expressing the current moisture status of moisture in the soil on the basis of the output value from the moisture sensor at the time when the drainage sensor detected water and the current output value from the moisture sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takahiro TOMIDA
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Patent number: 8646318Abstract: A leak sensor apparatus for sensing moisture is disclosed, which is prepared in such a manner that a base film layer, a conductive line layer and a protection film layer are sequentially stacked on its lower surface in an upward direction, and said conductive line layer includes a resistance line having a certain resistance value per unit area in a longitudinal direction, and a conductive line which is spaced apart from the resistance line and is formed in parallel with respect to the resistance line, and said protection film layer is provided with a plurality of holes which are formed at regular intervals so that the resistance line and the conductive line of the conductive line layer can be exposed to the outside through the holes, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2009Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Yumin System Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Dong Geun Yu, Hong Geun Yu
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Publication number: 20140025300Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a moisture measuring apparatus which, when the body of the apparatus for measuring a state of moisture in a measurement target object is mounted into the measurement target object, provides a user with a mounting state as to whether the moisture measuring apparatus has been appropriately mounted. In the present invention, the CPU of a moisture measuring apparatus determines the mounting state of the moisture measuring apparatus in soil that is a measurement target object (judges whether or not there is a gap between a sensor electrode and soil) based on the state of moisture (moisture amount) measured by a soil moisture amount sensor, and informs a result of the judgment.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2013Publication date: January 23, 2014Inventor: Ryo OKUMURA
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Patent number: 8631686Abstract: Traditional porous material testing does not provide a measure of how well the porous material will perform in oil spill conditions. We disclose a new system that can analyze and determine the absorptive capability and oil-selectivity of a porous material in a moving mixture of oil and water, under different environmental conditions of pressure and wind. Our system allows the porous material under test and the mixture of oil and water to experience complex motion trajectories, and we measure the absorption capacity as well as the rate of oil absorption under different environmental conditions.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2011Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Inventor: Vineel Chakradhar
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Patent number: 8632732Abstract: Example embodiments relate a device for measuring the water activity of foods and method for obtaining a water activity measurement. The device includes a container housing the food sample, a disc of permeable material to support a reactive substance which in turn is used to record the water activity level of the food sample (23) being studied. The substance is positioned in the center of the disc. A threaded cover is disposed at a free end of the container. When insulation is provided between the interior and exterior of the container, any water contained in the food sample evaporates and as it passes through the disc. As the water comes into contact with the reactive substance, a color scale records the water activity of the study sample.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2008Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Inventors: Dimas Jimenez Mendoza, Ramón Arana Errasqui
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Publication number: 20140013833Abstract: A water absorption property of a concrete surface of an actual structure is measured in situ for clarification and evaluation of causative factors and so forth related to densification of surface layer concrete. An apparatus for a water absorption test has a position-fixing device, a detecting device and a measuring device. A device for water absorption test having vent means is positionally fixed on the concrete surface by the position-fixing device, with use of negative pressure or a mechanical connection. The detecting device detects an amount of water held in a chamber, and results detected by the detecting device are input into the measuring device. A water absorption rate is measured by the detecting device and the measuring device. On the basis of the water absorption rate measured at predetermined elapsed time, identification or comparison of causative or evaluative factors related to densification of the surface layer concrete is carried out.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2012Publication date: January 16, 2014Inventor: Akira Hosoda
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Patent number: 8627709Abstract: A porous medium sensor apparatus includes a sensing portion at least partially insertable in the porous medium. The sensing portion has a housing with a gas exchange aperture defined therein and a water-repellant membrane mounted in the gas exchange aperture, the water-repellant membrane preventing water communication through the gas exchange aperture. The sensing portion also has a parameter sensor mounted in the housing for measuring a parameter of the porous medium in which the sensing portion is inserted.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2010Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Hortau Inc.Inventors: Jean Caron, Philippe Jobin, Christian Plourde, Jocelyn Boudreau, Sébastien Descôteaux, Daniel Belleau
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Publication number: 20140007662Abstract: To address this and/or other needs, the present inventor devised, among other things, a passive moisture detection probe that can be installed and left in place to continuously indicate whether the moisture-content in the wall-cavity of a building is below or above a desirable level. One exemplary moisture detection assembly includes a moisture-absorbent sensor element and an indicator. The sensor element, which can be placed in contact with the inner surface of a home's exterior sheathing, expands and contracts in response to the moisture content of the sheathing. The indicator, for example a rod, moves in responsive to the expansion and contraction of the sensor element, with its relative position corresponding to the moisture in the exterior sheathing and thus providing an on-going and observable sign of moisture intrusion.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Inventor: Alan Powell
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Publication number: 20140000788Abstract: A surrogate patch assembly for a rework area of a structure comprises a surrogate patch body which may be formed of a material for drawing moisture from the rework area. The patch assembly may include a sensor mounted to the surrogate patch body. The sensor may comprise a thermal sensor for sensing the temperature of the rework area and the surrogate patch body. The sensor may comprise a moisture sensor for sensing moisture drawn into the surrogate patch body.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2013Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Michael W. Evens, Megan N. Watson, Mary H. Vargas
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Patent number: 8614586Abstract: The moisture measuring method and apparatus determines the moisture content of post-harvest in-shell peanuts. A crystal oscillator generates a high frequency signal that is directed through a selected sample of in-shell peanuts. Capacitance, impedance, and phase change data associated with the sample are generated at (at least) two frequencies. The data is then substituted into a semi-empirical equation to determine the moisture content of the in-shell peanuts.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2011Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of AgricultureInventor: Chari Kandala
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Patent number: 8604809Abstract: A capacitance measuring circuit comprising an oscillator circuit, where a sensor capacitance forms a link of a plurality of series connected impedances and where a square wave voltage is impressed on the series connected impedances from a separate high speed, a low impedance source and the measurement of the charging current, into the series connected impedances, is performed by a separate high accuracy current sensing device, connected in series between the low impedance square wave source and the plurality of the series connected impedances.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2009Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Nils Aage Juul Eilersen
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Publication number: 20130319089Abstract: A method for determining an amount of moisture that has entered a section of soil via irrigation, includes sensing at a first moment in time a total amount of moisture in a sub-section of the section of soil, and in response to the amount sensed at the first moment in time, determining a total amount of moisture, Winitial, in the section of soil at the first moment in time. Sensing at a second, subsequent moment in time a total amount of moisture in a sub-section of the section of soil, and in response to the amount sensed at the second moment in time, determining a total amount of moisture, Wtot, in the section of soil at the second moment in time. Then, comparing the two Winitial and Wtot by, for example, subtracting Winitial from Wtot.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2012Publication date: December 5, 2013Inventor: Jac le Roux
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Publication number: 20130298650Abstract: A moisture-sensitive ceramic material having a composition represented by the general formula RE(A,B)O3, wherein RE is a rare earth element, A is a divalent metal element, and B is a tetravalent metal element. More specifically, the moisture-sensitive ceramic material has a composition represented by the general formula RE(A1-xBx)O3, and A is Ni or Mg, and B is Ti or Sn.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2013Publication date: November 14, 2013Inventor: Tadamasa Miura
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Patent number: 8573842Abstract: A sensor control circuit for controlling a sensor unit for measuring a physical value includes a timing controller which selects periodically one or more sensor units among multiple sensor units and converts an output signal from the sensor unit to a continuous serial input signal, an oscillator which receives the serial input signal input by the controller and outputs a frequency signal corresponding to the output signal detected by the sensor unit, a counter which counts for a predetermined duration a number of pulses of the frequency signal output from the oscillator, a data converter which converts the number of pulses to voltage data and outputs the data, and an RLC selector which inputs to the converter information indicating a characteristic value on which the number of pulses is based. The characteristic value is resistance, inductance or electrostatic capacitance. The sensor units measure physical values, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2011Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Ibiden Co., Ltd.Inventors: Zhenhua Shao, Christopher Lee Keller, Masataka Ito, Dongdong Wang