Method and apparatus for time domain reflectometry moisture...

Electricity: measuring and testing – Impedance – admittance or other quantities representative of... – Distributive type parameters

Reexamination Certificate

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Details

Other Related Categories

C324S533000, C324S640000, C324S694000, C343S788000

Type

Reexamination Certificate

Status

active

Patent number

06441622

Description

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to moisture sensors and, specifically to, time domain reflectometry moisture sensors.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The use of time domain reflectometry has been previously known as a method for determining the level of liquids in tanks and other enclosures. Furthermore, time domain reflectometry sensors are used to measure moisture in various media via high velocity wave propagation. The velocity of the wave propagation in a time domain reflectometry sensor is on the order of one nano-second per foot. In order to process the wave propagation at such velocity, high speed electronics are required in a wave detector circuit. Another approach to processing the wave propagation through a media involves high speed retriggering excitation wave pulses upon detection of the reflected wave pulse resulting in a continuous oscillator function where the frequency represents the state of the media being measured.
The problems with the above approaches are that high speed electronics increase the product cost of the time domain reflectometry moisture sensor and a continuous frequency of an oscillator function needs to be divided into measurable parameter. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a time domain reflectometry functioning as a liquid sensor that does not require high speed electronics in the wave detector.


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Topp, G.C., Davis, J.L.; “Measurement of Soil Water Content using Time-Domain Reflectometryry (TDR): A Field of Evaluation”, Soil Science Society AM. Journal, vol. 49, 1985.
Dasberg, S., Dalton, F.N., “Time Domain Reflectometry Field Measurements of Soil Water Content and Electrical Conductivity,” Soil Science Society AM. Journal, vol. 49, 1985.
Topp, G.C.; “Electromagnetic Determination of Soil Water Content: Measurements in CoAxial Transmission Lines;” Water Resources Research, vol. 16, No. 3, pp. 574-582, 1980.

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