APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MEASURING PRECIPITATION
First Claim
1. An instrument for measuring precipitation comprising:
- a support structure configured to collect frozen precipitation;
a plurality of light sensors disposed in a vertical arrangement on the support structure and a plurality of light sources disposed in a vertical arrangement on the support structure, each the light sensor being spaced a predetermined distance from each adjacent light sensor and positioned to receive light from at least one light sensor and each light sensor being spaced a predetermined distance from each adjacent light source, each light sensor being capable of generating an output signal in response to light received from one of the light sources;
a heating element located on the support structure and configured to melt frozen precipitation;
a microprocessor that receives the output signal from at least one of the light sensors and determines the presence or absence of an accumulation of precipitation based on the signal, the microprocessor capable of activating the heating element to melt frozen precipitation collected in the support structure and capable of calculating the density of the frozen precipitation.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A precipitation gauge for measuring liquid and frozen precipitation is provided according to the present invention that includes a support structure having at least one light sensor, or pair of electrodes, and at least one light source disposed thereon so that the light sensor may receive light that is emitted from the light source. The light sensor or light sensors and the light source or light sources generally extend a substantial height of the support structure. The light sensor or light sensors generate an output signal in response to the amount of light received from the light source. A microprocessor receives the output signal or output signals from the light sensor or light sensors and determines whether precipitation is present between the light sensor or light sensors and the light source or light sources. Based on the output signal or output signals, the microprocessor determines and displays the level of precipitation. The microprocessor may also determine the density of frozen precipitation. A heating element is disposed on the support structure to melt frozen precipitation. The microprocessor determines the density of the frozen precipitation from the amount of frozen precipitation and the amount of liquid that results from melting the frozen precipitation. Alternatively, the microprocessor determines the density of frozen precipitation from the amount of frozen precipitation and the weight of the frozen precipitation. A temperature sensor, a moisture sensor, and/or a humidity sensor are located at or near the support structure and are connected to the microprocessor. A method for measuring the amount of precipitation and the density of frozen precipitation is also disclosed.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. An instrument for measuring precipitation comprising:
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a support structure configured to collect frozen precipitation; a plurality of light sensors disposed in a vertical arrangement on the support structure and a plurality of light sources disposed in a vertical arrangement on the support structure, each the light sensor being spaced a predetermined distance from each adjacent light sensor and positioned to receive light from at least one light sensor and each light sensor being spaced a predetermined distance from each adjacent light source, each light sensor being capable of generating an output signal in response to light received from one of the light sources; a heating element located on the support structure and configured to melt frozen precipitation; a microprocessor that receives the output signal from at least one of the light sensors and determines the presence or absence of an accumulation of precipitation based on the signal, the microprocessor capable of activating the heating element to melt frozen precipitation collected in the support structure and capable of calculating the density of the frozen precipitation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An instrument for measuring precipitation comprising:
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a support structure configured to collect frozen precipitation; at least one light sensor and at least one light source disposed on the support structure, the light sensor being spaced a predetermined distance from the light source and positioned to receive light from the light source, each light sensor being capable of outputting a signal in response to light from the light source; a heating element located on the support structure and configured to melt frozen precipitation; and a microprocessor that receives the output signal from at least one of the light sensors and determines the presence or absence of an accumulation of precipitation in response to the signal, the microprocessor capable of activating the heating element to melt frozen precipitation collected in the support structure and capable of calculating the density of the frozen precipitation. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. An instrument for measuring precipitation comprising:
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a support structure, the support structure capable of holding a level of precipitation; a light source disposed on the support structure and a light sensor disposed on and extending substantially the length of the support structure, the light sensor positioned to receive light from the light source and capable of generating an output signal in response to light received from the light source; a heating element located on the support structure and configured to melt frozen precipitation; and a microprocessor that receives the output signal from at least one of the light sensors and determines the presence or absence of an accumulation of precipitation based on the signal, the microprocessor capable of activating the heating element to melt frozen precipitation collected in the support structure and capable of calculating the density of the frozen precipitation. - View Dependent Claims (21)
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Specification