Apparatus and process for measuring properties

摘要

The present invention relates to an apparatus and process for measuring a property of a material such as the moisture content of cotton fiber. An embodiment is specifically adapted for determining an absolute value of the moisture content of the cotton fiber while being conveyed through ducts such as the ducts of the ginning machine. The embodiment combines large area capacitor plates with light detectors.

主权项

1. An apparatus for measuring the moisture content of a material, the apparatus including:
i) an electric field generator and when in use, the material whose moisture content is to be measured is disposed in the electric field and changes in the electric field caused by the material provides a first output that is related to at least two properties of the material, at least one of which is the moisture content and a second property; ii) a temperature sensor for sensing temperature in the electric field and providing a temperature output; iii) a humidity sensor for sensing humidity of the air within the electric field and providing a humidity output; iv) a device that provides a second output that is related to the second property of the material; and v) a processing unit that determines the moisture content of the material with reference to the first output, the second output, and the temperature and humidity outputs.