Moisture sensor systems and methods of installation
AssigneeAcclima, Inc.
InventorsScott Knudson Anderson, Andrew Relyea Horton, David James Anderson, Bradley Ray Larson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An waveguide on access tube (WOAT) system measures soil moisture by sensors placed at various depths of a medium, such as soil. The WOAT system includes a rigid tube into which an inflatable tube with various sensors bonded to it is inserted. Once in place, the rigid tube is removed and the inflatable tube and its sensor are inflated to the diameter of the hole or channel in which it is positioned. The ability to inflate the inflatable tube allows for the sensors on the inflatable tube to be force fit against the interior wall of the hole or channel for proper soil or ambient environment measurements.
Claims20
A waveguide on access tube (WOAT) system, comprising:
- a rigid tube having an interior wall and an exterior wall;
- an inflatable tube;
- a cap containing interface electronics and from which the inflatable tube is suspended;
- a vertical array of TDR elements bonded to the inflatable tube, each of the vertical array of TDR elements having a respective time domain reflectometer (TDR) waveguide;
- wherein when the inflatable tube is in an uninflated position, the vertical array of TDR elements is fitted within and spaced apart from the interior wall of the rigid tube.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.