Abstract: An airflow particulate mass measuring apparatus directs the incoming particulate by means of a wedge ring and a central parabolic needle to strike in a capture annulus of a spinner whose change in angular rotation is related to the mass of the particulate striking the spinner. A plurality of torque blades on the spinner cause the particulate to be accelerated and centrifugally ejected.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously inspecting the physical characteristics of particulate matter having a collection and conveying system, a sampling compartment, and a camera system. The collection and conveying system transports particulate matter, in the form of snowflakes, for example, to a viewing area in the sampling compartment. The camera system monitors the viewing area in order to provide single or multiple images of the snowflakes on single video frames at suitable magnification in order to analyze the crystalline characteristics of the snowflakes under naturally occurring conditions.

Abstract: A fall velocity indicator/viewer having a sampling compartment, a camera system, and an elongated tunnel for interconnecting the camera system to the sampling compartment. The camera system includes a video camera for continuously monitoring snowflakes as they naturally fall through a viewing area in the sampling compartment. The snowflakes are illuminated by a pair of strobe lights directly and in combination with reflected light from a pair of mirrors. In addition, a mirror in the tunnel provides a reflected view from the top of the snowflakes. The video camera is capable of thereby monitoring multiple views of snowflakes in a single video frame and provide sufficient data to analyze the physical characteristics of the snowflakes as well as aid in making velocity determinations and other observations of naturally falling snowflakes.

Abstract: A snow scale/rate meter having a highly accurate weight sensing device enclosed in a thermally controlled environment. A clear plastic collection bucket is operably connected by means of an elongated shaft to the weight sensing device. In addition, a plurality of wind protection device surround the collection bucket as well as limit collected snowfall to snowfall having trajectories of 45.degree. or less from the vertical. Snowfall weight and rate data can be accurately provided by this meter over extremely short intervals of times during in-the-field operation.

Abstract: A rain rate meter for delineating short-term variations in rain rate having a housing which encloses an electronic balance sensitive to approximately 0.01 grams. The top of the housing is open and has a funnel-shaped element located therein for receiving rainfall. An outlet port is centrally located at the bottom of the funnel-shaped element and a dispersing means is positioned adjacent the outlet port for substantially eliminating the adverse effects of the downward momentum of the rain water flowing from the outlet port prior to being collected by a container which rests upon the balance in the housing. A transfer mechanism is situated in the container in order to gently deposit the flowing rain water into the container. Measurements of collected rainfall weight are made over a preselected period of time by the electronic balance in order to accurately ascertain rain rate.