Multimodal sensor including a tensiometer, method of use and fabrication
US9766173B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 14, 2014 |
| Grant date | Sep 19, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 20, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N13/02
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A multimodal sensor includes a microtensiometer for measuring the chemical potential of a sub-saturated liquid, a temperature sensor, and a water content sensor. The microtensiometer includes a sensor body comprising a first gas-impermeable layer, an opposing second gas-impermeable layer, and a porous membrane layer disposed therebetween. The sensor body defines an internal liquid reservoir. The membrane layer is fluidly connected with the liquid reservoir, and extends to an outside edge of the microtensiometer. The membrane layer defines a plurality of through pores providing an open path from the liquid reservoir to the outside edge of the microtensiometer. The pores have a maximum diameter of 3 millimeters. The microtensiometer further includes a sensor adapted to measure changes in pressure between the liquid reservoir and an outside environment. The temperature sensor is integrated onto the microtensiometer body, and the water content sensor is coupled to the microtensiometer body.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.