The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 08, 1997
Filed:
May. 09, 1996
Whitney Skaling, Buellton, CA (US);
Percy E Skaling, Santa Barbara, CA (US);
Soilmoisture Equipment Corp., Goleta, CA (US);
Abstract
A waveguide assembly adapted for use with a time domain reflectrometry device for use in measuring the moisture content in soils and other mediums. A waveguide assembly comprised of a plurality of waveguide conductors (probes) for insertion into the soil are connected to a coaxial cable. An electronic stepped pulse travels through the coaxial cable and, due to an impedance mismatch where the coaxial cable and the waveguide assembly are joined, a downgoing beginning reference wave or reflection is produced. The beginning reference wave provides a starting point for measuring the accumulated time delay as the electronic pulse continues to travel through the waveguide assembly. An ending reflection wave is created as the electronic pulse reaches the end of the waveguide assembly and transmits into the surrounding soil. The apparent dielectric of the soil may be ascertained having determined the accumulated delay time, and in turn one can ascertain the moisture content of the soil using the apparent dielectric value.