US4044607A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Grain moisture measurement probe
Assignee: Electromeasures Inc
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Filing: 1976-04-30
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Granted: 1977-08-30
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Expires: 1996-04-30
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for measuring the moisture content of grain includes a probe having an oscillator circuit therein. The oscillator circuit includes a function generator, temperature sensing means in contact with the grain and a pair of juxtapositioned capacitor electrodes within the probe, but not in contact with the grain. The output of the oscillator circuit is connected to readout means including a phase locked loop, operational amplifier and indicating means.
Inventors
- 👤 Clarence D. Deal
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 16:54
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N27/00; G01N27/02; G01N27/22; G01N27/223; G01R; G01R27/00; G01R27/02; G01R27/26; G01R27/2605
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
A moisture measuring apparatus comprising: a. a probe for insertion into material to be measured, having a housing of dielectric material; b. means for generating a divergent electrostatic field substantially symmetrical about the probe housing and having a major portion thereof extending externally of the housing, said means including a pair of capacitance electrodes disposed within said probe physically isolated by said housing from the material to be measured, c. a frequency generating circuit including said electrodes, said frequency generating circuit providing an output signal having a frequency dependent upon the capacitance between said electrodes, and d. readout means connected to receive said output signal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
105 words
A moisture measuring apparatus comprising: a. a probe for insertion into material to be measured, having a housing of dielectric material; b. means for generating a divergent electrostatic field substantially symmetrical about the probe housing and having a major portion thereof extending externally of the housing, said means including a pair of capacitance electrodes disposed within said probe physically isolated by said housing from the material to be measured, c. a frequency generating circuit including said electrodes, said frequency generating circuit providing an output signal having a frequency dependent upon the capacitance between said electrodes, and d. readout means connected to receive said output signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including a temperature sensing element in contact with the material to be measured and being connected in said frequency generating circuit, the output frequency of said frequency generating circuit also being dependent upon the temperature of the material to be tested.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 2 including means for calibrating said frequency generating circuit for variance in temperature.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said frequency generating circuit includes a function generator therein.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 4 including means for providing a regulated DC voltage supply to said function generator including a DC power source connected to said function generator, and a zener diode and a second diode being series connected across said power source.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including a shielded cable between said frequency generating circuit and said readout means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including means for remotely transmitting the output signal from said frequency generating circuit to said readout means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said readout means includes a phase locked loop connected to receive the output signal from said frequency generating circuit.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 8 including an operational amplifier connected to said phase locked loop; means for adjusting the gain of said operational amplifier including a bank of resistors, the appropriate resistor being selected depending upon the material to be measured.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 9 including a means for indicating the voltage output connected to the output of said operational amplifier, said output voltage being in direct relationship to the dielectric constant of the material adjacent the probe.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the probe housing is elongated and of circular cross section, and said electrodes are cylindrical and longitudinally displaced within the probe housing.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-08-29 | 1981-02-28 | 1981-08-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-08-29 | 1985-02-28 | 1985-08-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-08-29 | 1989-02-28 | 1989-08-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |