US4520657A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for determining the pressure of capillary water, especially in soil
Assignee: DR VON BALLMOOS AG
•
Filing: 1983-07-19
•
Granted: 1985-06-04
•
Expires: 2003-07-19
Abstract
Abstract The apparatus for determining the pressure of capillary water in the ground, especially in soil, is of a two-part design and comprises a probe tube and a pressure measuring device. The pressure is measured by means of an elastically deformable membrane. For pneumatically coupling the pressure measuring device with the probe tube the latter is closed by a pierceable and self-sealing closure member. A hollow needle suitable for piercing the closure member is attached to the pressure measuring device. Either at or in the elastically deformable membrane there are arranged mechanical-electrical transducers which can be connected to an electric measuring and evaluation instrument for indicating the pressure which corresponds to the deformation of the membrane.
Inventors
- 👤 Hans-Peter Marthaler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 17:48
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01L; G01L9/00; G01L9/0041; G01L9/0051; E; E02; E02D; E02D1/00; E02D1/02; E02D1/027; G01N; G01N33/00; G01N33/24; G01N33/246
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
162 words
An apparatus for determining the pressure of capillary water in the ground, especially in soil, said apparatus comprising: a probe tube adapted to be filled with a measuring liquid and to be partially inserted into the soil; said probe tube having a first end structured to be introduced into the soil to be investigated; a porous plug closing said first end of said probe tube and being permeable for said measuring liquid opposite said first end; said probe tube having a second end; a closure member closing said second end of said probe tube; a pressure measuring device for measuring the pressure prevailing in said probe tube above said measuring liquid; said pressure measuring device comprising an elastically deformable membrane; a hollow needle; said hollow needle being arranged to interconnect said measuring chamber and said internal space of said probe tube; and said closure member at said second end of said probe tube forming a plug of a pierceable and self-sealing material.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
162 words
An apparatus for determining the pressure of capillary water in the ground, especially in soil, said apparatus comprising: a probe tube adapted to be filled with a measuring liquid and to be partially inserted into the soil; said probe tube having a first end structured to be introduced into the soil to be investigated; a porous plug closing said first end of said probe tube and being permeable for said measuring liquid opposite said first end; said probe tube having a second end; a closure member closing said second end of said probe tube; a pressure measuring device for measuring the pressure prevailing in said probe tube above said measuring liquid; said pressure measuring device comprising an elastically deformable membrane; a hollow needle; said hollow needle being arranged to interconnect said measuring chamber and said internal space of said probe tube; and said closure member at said second end of said probe tube forming a plug of a pierceable and self-sealing material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein: said closure member is removable for filling said measuring liquid into said probe tube.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein: said closure member is composed of nitrile rubber.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1, further including: an electrical measuring and indicating instrument; said elastically deformable membrane being structured as a piezo-electric transducer for generating electrical signals upon deformation thereof; and said electrical signals being delivered to said electrical measuring and indicating instrument.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 4, further including: plug-and-socket connecting means for releasably interconnecting said piezo-electric transducer and said electric measuring and indicating instrument.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
65 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1, further including: a guide tube for guiding said hollow needle; said hollow needle being arranged in said guide tube; a spring-loaded stop means provided in said guide tube and structured to form a disk; said disk being provided with a central bore through which said hollow needle extends; and said disk being displaceable along said needle without hindrance.
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) | 1988-06-03 | 1988-12-03 | 1989-06-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-06-03 | 1992-12-03 | 1993-06-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-06-03 | 1996-12-03 | 1997-06-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |