Hand held storm detector
First Claim
1. A portable weather detection and alarm apparatus comprising:
- a partially transparent housing defining a cavity; and
a suspended magnetic element positioned within the cavity;
wherein the magnetic element is rotatable in a first plane;
wherein the magnetic element is pivotable in a second plane;
wherein the second plane is perpendicular to the first plane;
wherein the magnetic element is pivotable in a third plane;
wherein the third plane is perpendicular to the first plane and perpendicular to the second plane;
wherein an automatic, rapid pivot of the magnetic element away from the pull of gravity visually signals a close proximity of a storm to an observer.
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Abstract
An apparatus for detecting a storm, including a partially transparent housing defining a cavity and a suspended magnetic element positioned within the cavity. The magnetic element is rotatable in a first plane and pivotable in second plane and third planes, wherein the second plane is perpendicular to the first plane and the third plane is perpendicular to the first plane and perpendicular to the second plane. A rapid pivot of the magnetic element away from the pull of gravity signals a close proximity of a storm. A first sensor operationally connected to the magnetic element for measuring the deflection of the magnetic element, dampening fluid substantially fills the cavity, a second sensor positioned within the housing for measuring the degree to which the magnetic element is level, and a laser operationally connected to the magnetic element and positioned to emit a beam of light corresponding to the orientation of the magnetic element.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A portable weather detection and alarm apparatus comprising:
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a partially transparent housing defining a cavity; and a suspended magnetic element positioned within the cavity; wherein the magnetic element is rotatable in a first plane; wherein the magnetic element is pivotable in a second plane; wherein the second plane is perpendicular to the first plane; wherein the magnetic element is pivotable in a third plane; wherein the third plane is perpendicular to the first plane and perpendicular to the second plane; wherein an automatic, rapid pivot of the magnetic element away from the pull of gravity visually signals a close proximity of a storm to an observer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A storm detection device, comprising:
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a transparent housing defining a generally spherical cavity; a generally spherical magnetic member pivotably positioned within the cavity; and a dampening fluid substantially filling the cavity; wherein the generally spherical magnetic member is pivotable about three mutually perpendicular axes; wherein the generally spherical magnetic member has a leveling center of gravity; wherein the generally spherical magnetic member is neutrally buoyant in the dampening fluid; wherein the generally spherical magnetic member pivots in response to an oncoming storm; and wherein a rapid pivoting of the generally spherical magnetic member indicates proximity of a storm. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for detecting an approaching storm, comprising:
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a) suspending a magnetic member such that the magnetic member is free to rotate through a horizontal plane, wherein a first end of the magnetic member is free to pivot away from the pull of gravity; b) positioning the magnetic member at a ground location proximate an approaching storm generating a magnetic field; c) aligning the magnetic member such that it moves through the horizontal plane and automatically pivots the first end away from the pull of gravity to point at the storm; and d) visually observing the realigned magnetic member. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification