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Apparatus and method for the measurement of forest duff moisture content
Robichaud, P.R.; Hungerford, R.D.; Gasvoda, D.S., inventors;
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture, asignee.
1999.
Apparatus and method for the measurement of forest duff moisture content.
U.S. Patent 5,920,195.
July 6. 9 p. Int. Cl6G01R 27/26.
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Abstract:
An Apparatus and method for the moisture content measurement of compressible materials using pressure to firmly hold surface probes against the material to be measured. The apparatus uses moisture measurement circuitry employed in frequency domain impedance or time domain reflectometry devices to obtain moisture content readings from material. These moisture content readings are based on the apparent dielectric constant of the measured material. Subsurface air voids or gaps found in loose layered materials undesirably influence moisture measurement readings by reducing the apparent dielectric constant of the measured material. Pressure in supplied through the apparatus to the material in the proximity of the surface probes thereby reducing air voids to enhace measurement accuracy. The apparatus and method are especially useful for compressible organic materials such as forest duff hay and soil.
Moscow FSL publication no. 1999i
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