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Apparatus for measurement of soil moisture content

  • US 4,266,878 A
  • Filed: 12/26/1978
  • Issued: 05/12/1981
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/26/1978
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for monitoring the moisture content of a soil sample comprising:

  • a light source for radiating light energy at a plurality of selected wavelengths;

    light transmission means establishing first and second transmission paths each having first and second ends, the first end of said first path being disposed for receiving light radiated from said light source;

    a soil probe insertable in a bore formed in the soil sample, said soil probe including a window for directing light from the second end of said first light transmission path to said soil sample at selected depths within said bore and for directing light reflected from the soil sample to the first end of said second light transmission path;

    displacement measuring means secured to said soil probe for providing an indication of the relative position of said window within said bore;

    means coupled to the second end of said second light transmission path for determining the reflectance factors of said reflected light at said selected wavelengths; and

    means responsive to said reflectance factors and to said position indications for computing the moisture content of the soil sample as a function of the position of said window within said bore.

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