Moisture sensor
US6020744A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 4, 1997 |
| Grant date | Feb 1, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 4, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N27/605
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus measures moisture content of cotton based upon rates of electrical charges flowing through the cotton. The apparatus includes a moisture sensor having first electrodes, second electrodes, and ground electrodes which are interdigitated between the first and second electrodes. The apparatus also includes a moisture content determination circuit that provides first electrical charges to the first electrodes, and second electrical charges to the second electrodes. The moisture content determination circuit determines the rate of electrical charge flowing from each of the first and second electrodes through the cotton to the ground electrodes, and determines the moisture content of the cotton based upon the rates of electrical charges flowing through the cotton. By thus applying first electrical charges to the first electrodes and second electrical charges to the second electrodes, the apparatus accurately measures the moisture content of the cotton over a wide range of moisture contents. This wide range is achieved by setting the first electrical charges on the first electrodes to a level which is optimal for moisture levels at the upper end of the desired measurement rang…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.