Abstract: A total precipitation gauge (10) incorporates a float gauge (16) extending downward to a liquid level (18) in a precipitation storage container. The float gauge (16) is formed with an elongate stillwell (20) extending into the liquid level (18), a float element (22) suspended in the stillwell (20) for rising and falling motion within the stillwell in response to the liquid level, and an elongate code bearing surface (24) coupled to the float (22). A code sensor (34) senses motion of the code bearing surface (34) for generating electrical signals (35) corresponding to motion of the float element and liquid level. The code bearing surface is a flexible coded strip (24) secured at one end to the float element (22) and at the other end to a spring loaded reel (25). The spring force of the spring loaded reel (25) is less than the weight of the float element (22) and ballast (26).

Abstract: A wind speed and wind direction indicator is constructed on a center support pole or mast having a vertical scale of wind speed indicia for visually reading wind speed at a distance from the pole. A swivel head is mounted at the top of the pole for rotation to different compass directions. A rigid arm pendulum is pivotally coupled to the swivel head for pivotal motion of the pendulum to different angles with respect to the support pole. A wind drag structure such as a wind sock is coupled to the free end of the rigid arm pendulum for angular positioning in response to varying wind speed. A sliding collar is mounted on the support pole for sliding motion up and down over the scale of wind speed indicia. A line is coupled between the free end of the rigid arm and the sliding collar for sliding motion of the collar over the scale of wind speed indicia in response to varying wind speed.

Abstract: A wind speed and wind direction signal generator includes first and second pulse signal generators each with a respective stator and rotor. The stator for each pulse generator has at least two stator coils mounted at a radial angle relative to each other in the direction of rotation of a rotor so that pulse signals excited on the stationary output lines of the two stator coils are phase shifted relative to each other at a phase detectable angle. The rotor has at least one permanent magnet with two poles spaced from each other for rotation relative to the respective stator coils and for exciting the pulse signals on the stator coil stationary output lines. First and second wind propellers are secured to the respective rotors and are oriented to compass directions at approximately 90.degree. defining a quadrant of a compass coordinate system. The wind propellers cause rotation of the respective rotors at respective frequencies proportional to first and second wind speed components.

Abstract: A weather station display system displays weather data on a video monitor, TV receiver or other raster screen display. The weather data is derived from a weather station having multiple weather parameter sensors or transducers for measuring weather parameters and generating electrical signals representative of the measured values of the weather parameters. The electrical signals are conditioned and converted to digitally coded weather data. A microprocessor periodically samples and stores the digitally coded weather data and transfers weather data to a screen memory for raster scanning onto a raster screen display. The microprocessor also loads screen display format data including a main screen display format to the screen memory from program and screen data memory. A light pen coupled to the raster controller permits interrogation of character locations for selectively modifying displayed weather data.

Abstract: A rotational position indicator useful for example for indicating wind direction is provided by a stator having nine position sensors substantially equally spaced around the circumference of a circle and an armature mounted for rotation on an axis located at the center of the circle. The armature is formed with two position sensor actuators mounted at approximately 140.degree. relative to each other. Each position sensor actuator is mounted at a radial position for selectively actuating the position sensors upon rotation of the armature. An electric circuit is coupled to each position sensor for indicating actuation or not of the respective position sensor. The output provides a unique position code for successive intervals of angular positioning of the armature relative to the stator. The actuators have an actuating effect over a selected angular interval sufficient to produce 36 unique position codes for indentifying successive 10.degree.

Abstract: A magnet switch or selector for selecting the functions of a multiple function electronic circuit device in a housing. A plurality of reed switches are incorporated into the electronic circuit device for switching on and off respectively the multiple functions. The reed switches are arranged in a sequence in proximity to a horizontal surface of the housing. An elongate sliding groove or sliding channel is formed in the horizontal surface of the housing in proximity to the reed switches, and the channel is oriented and arranged in a configuration along the sequence of reed switches. A magnet element having a cross-sectional profile substantially conforming to the cross-sectional profile of the channel is seated in the channel for restrained and controlled sliding motion back and forth along the sliding channel.

Abstract: A totally digitalized weather station provides a digital display with selection elements for selecting a particular transducer and indication elements for indicating which parameter is being sensed at the time. Elements are provided to select from memory maximum and minimum readings of various parameters. Some transducers may employ a broadly new digital technique whereby the dial cooperable with a pointer on the shaft is used to produce digital calibrations which are attached to the shaft and move with the shaft and are read by at least a pair of fixed heads. In non-linear situations, corresponding scales are adjustable rotationally relative to one another to permit the corresponding calibrations of the two scales to be present underneath the respective reading heads simultaneously.