US3760267A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Moisture tester for continually flowing granular materials
Assignee: FLEET CREDIT Corp A CORP OF RI
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Filing: 1972-04-03
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Granted: 1973-09-18
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Expires: 1992-04-03
Abstract
Abstract A moisture tester of the type having outer and inner cylindrical electrodes and means for measuring permittivity has an upper extension connected to receive by gravity samples of material from a conveyor and a lower, funnel-shaped outlet for discharging material back into the mainstream at a lower point. The upper extension of predetermined length is continually overfilled, and the funnel-shaped portion has an opening of required form and size to control the flow of material by gravity, and thereby to provide a desired close and consistent amount of packing between the electrodes.
Inventors
- 👤 D Williams
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 10:59
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N27/00; G01N27/02; G01N27/22; G01N27/223
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
223 words
A moisture tester for testing continually flowing granular materials comprising: an outer member comprising an outer electrode and a funnelshaped portion, said outer electrode being a cylinder of conductive material with its axis disposed vertically, said funnel-shaped portion extending downwardly from said cylinder such that the lower portion of the wall of said outer member slants inwardly to provide a reduced outlet, an inner electrode comprising an inner cylindrical conductive member, the length of said inner electrode being substantially shorter than the length of said outer electrode, insulating mounting means between said electrodes to support said inner member coaxially within said cylinder of said outer member, the upper and the lower ends of said inner electrode being spaced sufficiently within the upper and the lower ends respectively of said outer electrode to prevent substantial end electrical field effects, electrical means connected to said electrodes for measuring capacitance therebetween, conveyor means for supplying a continuous flow of granular material to a position over the top end of said outer member such that the only force applied to the granular material as it flows through said outer member and about said inner member is gravity, the size of said reduced outlet and the flow from said conveyor means being proportioned to maintain said cylinder for said outer electrode substantially uniformly packed with flowing granular material.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
223 words
A moisture tester for testing continually flowing granular materials comprising: an outer member comprising an outer electrode and a funnelshaped portion, said outer electrode being a cylinder of conductive material with its axis disposed vertically, said funnel-shaped portion extending downwardly from said cylinder such that the lower portion of the wall of said outer member slants inwardly to provide a reduced outlet, an inner electrode comprising an inner cylindrical conductive member, the length of said inner electrode being substantially shorter than the length of said outer electrode, insulating mounting means between said electrodes to support said inner member coaxially within said cylinder of said outer member, the upper and the lower ends of said inner electrode being spaced sufficiently within the upper and the lower ends respectively of said outer electrode to prevent substantial end electrical field effects, electrical means connected to said electrodes for measuring capacitance therebetween, conveyor means for supplying a continuous flow of granular material to a position over the top end of said outer member such that the only force applied to the granular material as it flows through said outer member and about said inner member is gravity, the size of said reduced outlet and the flow from said conveyor means being proportioned to maintain said cylinder for said outer electrode substantially uniformly packed with flowing granular material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
A moisture tester as claimed in claim 1 wherein a sensing temperature element is connected to said electrical means and is thermally contacting the inside surface of said inner member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
A moisture tester as claimed in claim 2 having a cover over the top of said inner member to protect said sensing temperature element.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
43 words
A moisture tester as claimed in claim 2 wherein said insulating mounting means is a pair of rods diametrically disposed through the walls of said inner member and said outer member, said rods being spaced apart along the vertical axis of said members.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
A moisture tester as claimed in claim 4 wherein at least one of said rods is hollow, and electrical conducting means for connecting said inner member to said electrical means is disposed within said hollow rod.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
51 words
A moisture tester as claimed in claim 5 wherein said conducting means includes a conductor within one end of said hollow rod connected between said electrical means and said inner electrode and another conductor within the other end of said hollow rod connected between said temperature-sensing element and said outer electrode.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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US2665409A
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US3092882A
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GB827004A
Cited
US3238452A
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US3226635A
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-09-17 | 1977-03-19 | 1977-09-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-09-17 | 1981-03-19 | 1981-09-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-09-17 | 1985-03-19 | 1985-09-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |