Method and apparatus for time domain reflectometry moisture sensing in various media

A method for measuring an amount of moisture in a test material, comprising the steps of:

• generating a wave pulse at a wave pulse generator;
• transmitting the wave pulse having a predetermined velocity;
• reducing the velocity of the wave pulse via an assembly, the assembly comprising a generally helical shaped electrode and a magnetic rod, wherein the rod is encircled by the generally helical shaped electrode;
• and
• receiving the wave pulse at a reflected wave pulse detector via at least one secondary electrode spaced apart from the assembly with the ability to have test material between the assembly and the at least one secondary electrode.

A method for measuring an amount of moisture in a test material, comprising the steps of:

• generating a wave pulse at a wave pulse generator;
• transmitting the wave pulse having a predetermined velocity;
• reducing the velocity of the wave pulse via a generally flat spiral shaped electrode embedded within a magnetic structure;
• and
• receiving the wave pulse at a reflected wave pulse detector via at least one secondary electrode spaced apart from the generally flat spiral shaped electrode with the ability to have test material between the generally flat spiral shaped electrode and the at least one secondary electrode.