초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for time domain reflectometry sensing of moisture in a test material. The sensor (200) having a generally helical shaped electrode (206) and at least one secondary electrode (208) spaced apart from the generally helical shaped electrode (206) to enable the test material to be

A method and apparatus for time domain reflectometry sensing of moisture in a test material. The sensor (200) having a generally helical shaped electrode (206) and at least one secondary electrode (208) spaced apart from the generally helical shaped electrode (206) to enable the test material to be present in the space (210) between the helical shaped electrode (206) and the secondary electrode (208). A wave pulse generator (202) is coupled to the generally helical shaped electrode (206) and the secondary electrode (208) that results in a reflection of the generated wave from the wave pulse generator (202). Additionally, a reflected pulse detector (204) is coupled to the generally helical shaped electrode (206) and the secondary electrode (208), in which the reflected wave pulse detector (204) receives a reflected wave pulse from the wave pulse generator (202). A controller that activates the wave pulse generator (202) also controls a counter (114) that records the delay between the generated wave pulse and reflected wave pulse from which the moisture content of the test material (212) is determined.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A time domain reflectometry moisture sensor apparatus for the measurement of moisture in a test material, comprising:a generally helical shaped electrode; at least one secondary electrode spaced apart from the generally helical shaped electrode to enable the test material to be present between th

1. A time domain reflectometry moisture sensor apparatus for the measurement of moisture in a test material, comprising:a generally helical shaped electrode; at least one secondary electrode spaced apart from the generally helical shaped electrode to enable the test material to be present between the helical shaped electrode and the secondary electrode; a wave pulse generator coupled to the generally helical shaped electrode and the at least one secondary electrode; a reflected pulse detector coupled to the generally helical shaped electrode and the at least one secondary electrode, in which the reflected pulse detector receives a wave pulse from the wave pulse generator; and a rod made of a high permeability magnetic material, the rod is encircled by the generally helical shaped electrode.