Abstract: Described is a mobile apparatus for observing precipitation, the mobile apparatus including a bottom plate including a plurality of precipitation gauges and a movable member, a movement unit configured to move a position of the bottom plate from a first position to a second position by using the movable member, an observation time determination unit configured to determine a precipitation observation time on the basis of seasonal information, and a control unit configured to control the plurality of precipitation gauges on the basis of the precipitation observation time when precipitation is detected.

Abstract: A laminated glass pane having a first glass layer and a second glass layer, wherein at least one first electrically conducting structure and a second electrically conducting structure are arranged between the first glass layer and the second glass layer, wherein the first electrically conducting structure and the second electrically conducting structure are arranged spaced apart from one another, wherein the first electrically conducting structure at least partially overlaps the second electrically conducting structure in a perpendicular orientation relative to the first glass layer, wherein the first electrically conducting structure is associated with a first electrical element, wherein the first electrical element is a capacitive sensor.

Abstract: A vehicle glazing panel includes a glazed element and a baseplate for the reversible attachment of an internal accessory, such as an internal rearview mirror or an internal display screen, to the glazed element, the baseplate being based on plastics material and having a body, an external face located opposite the internal face of the glazed element, an internal face and a housing for the fixing of a further accessory opposite the internal face of the glazed element, such as a sensor, wherein the baseplate further includes a metal part which has a recessed part located inside the body of the baseplate, an external protruding part which protrudes further to the exterior than the external face of the baseplate and in the direction of the internal face of the glazed element, and an internal protruding part which protrudes further to the interior than the internal face of the baseplate.

Abstract: A liquid gauge is disclosed. The liquid gauge includes a plurality of holes configured to receive a plurality of liquid droplets of a first size. The liquid gauge also includes a plurality of curved structures configured to form an aggregated liquid droplet of a second size using the plurality liquid droplets of the first size. The liquid gauge further includes a plurality of counting electrodes configured to generate a corresponding electrical signal. The liquid gauge further includes a processing unit configured to count the aggregated liquid droplet of the second size received by each of the counting electrode and also configured to compute a total amount of liquid fall based on the aggregated liquid droplet of the second size.

Abstract: A method (400) for identifying precipitation (50) includes the steps of: providing (410) a lighting unit (10) having a first photosensor (32), a second photosensor (34), and a controller (22), where the first and second photosensors are vertically spaced by a first distance; receiving (430), by the first photosensor, a first light signal from the precipitation at a first time point (T1); receiving (440) by the second photosensor, a second light signal from the precipitation at a second time point (T2); calculating (450) the amount of time between the first light signal and the second light signal; and calculating (460), based on the first distance and the calculated amount of time between the first light signal and the second light signal, a velocity of the precipitation.

Abstract: An Internet-of-Things-based crop growth monitoring device includes a plurality of monitoring mechanisms. Each monitoring mechanism includes a base and a support rod fixed on the base. The support rod is provided with an electric element installation casing formed by snap-fitting an upper conical cover and a lower conical cover. A component for driving a swing cantilever to rotate is provided on the support rod at a position near a lowermost surface of the upper conical cover. A plurality of distance measuring laser sensors are provided on the swing cantilever. A component for driving an ultra-high-definition camera to rotate is provided on the support rod at the section of the upper conical cover. The images captured by the ultra-high-definition camera is used to obtain the leaf growth situation of the crops, and the data collected by the distance measuring laser sensors is used to determine the plant height of the crops.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement (10) comprises a capacitive sensor (11) with a first electrode line (12), a second electrode line (16) and a third electrode line (20) and a sensitive layer (30) arranged at the first, the second and the third electrode line (12, 16, 20). The sensor arrangement (10) comprises a readout circuit (50) that comprises a capacitance-to-digital converter (51), is coupled to the first, the second and the third electrode line (12, 16, 20) and is configured to generate a first measurement signal (S1) using the first and the second electrode line (12, 16) and a second measurement signal (S2) using at least the third electrode line (20).

Abstract: A sensor mount structure, including: a sensor device that detects information regarding at least a region ahead of a vehicle; a display device that displays images of at least a region behind the vehicle; a support member that covers a part of the sensor device from below and that is attached to a base member provided at an inner surface of a front windshield glass; an arm member that has an upper end portion attached to the support member and a lower end portion attached to a length direction center portion of the display device; and a cover member, a minimum distance between the cover member and an upper peripheral edge at a length direction end portion of the display device being longer than a minimum distance between the cover member and an upper peripheral edge at the length direction center portion of the display device.

Abstract: A skid-mounted system, for recycling production salt water from an oil well, may include a skid housing; a separation tank enclosed within the skid housing; a control system enclosed within the skid housing; a salt water port configured to be connected to a supply of salt water and transfer the salt water to the separation tank; a fuel port configured to be connected to a fuel supply and provide fuel to a burner attached to the separation tank; an exhaust stack that is connected to the separation tank and that is configured to exhaust hot gas produced by the burner to an environment; and a steam stack that is connected to the separation tank and that is configured to release steam produced by the separation tank.

Abstract: A liquid storage portion for an aerosol-generating system includes a container configured to hold a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The container has an opening for dispensing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate, and includes at least one transparent wall portion, such that the liquid level in the container can be visually monitored by the vaper. The container is further configured such that the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is held in a contiguous volume area of the container. The aerosol-forming substrate in the contiguous volume is confined near the dispensing opening of the container without regard to the orientation of the liquid storage portion.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to differentiating ice accretion caused by different supercooled water droplets on an airfoil of an aircraft. A sensor having a sensing surface region is mounted at a mounting location of the airfoil such that the sensing surface region is flush with a surrounding adjacent surface of the airfoil. Water particles of sizes less than or equal to a predetermined threshold do not impinge the sensor surface region at the mounting location when the aircraft is in flight. A sensor driver provides an excitation signal to the sensor. A signal detector detects a sensor signal responsive to the provided excitation signal. The sensor signal is indicative of water particles exceeding the predetermined threshold impinging the sensing surface region. In some embodiments, the sensing surface region is mechanically coupled to a resonant cavity. In other embodiments, the sensor is a surface resistance sensor configured to sense surface resistance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for estimating a snow depth including: an optical disdrometer for acquiring information on diameters of snow particles and particle number concentration; a laser snow depth gauge for measuring the height of snow accumulated through a laser beam type sensor to provide an observed stop depth; an estimated snow depth equation calculator for determining an optimal index for the diameters of the snow particles provided by the optical disdrometer, substituting the optimal index for a snow depth calculation equation as a first mathematical equation to calculate a computed snow depth, obtaining correlation between the observed snow depth and the computed snow depth, and calculating a regression equation between the observed snow depth and the computed snow depth as an estimated snow depth equation; and a snow depth estimator for estimating the snow depth on the basis of the estimated snow depth equation, and the first mathematical equation.

Abstract: A method and system for determining precipitation static charge levels on a dielectrically coated surface is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for clearing water from a window comprises one or more transducers for coupling to a window. Each of the one or more transducers is operable at any selected one of a plurality of different frequencies to generate respective wave-types. A frequency generator (925) provides ultrasonic drive signals (926) to the one or more transducers for the plurality of different frequencies. A mode controller (930) controls the generator (925) and transducer configuration of electrodes (210) to apply to the window ultrasonic waves of any selected frequency and wave-type from the plurality of different frequencies and wave-types.

Abstract: A water collection device is described. In one embodiment, a water collection device includes a collection tube having an inner wall, an open mouth at its upper end, and a closed bottom end, the bottom end including an upwardly projecting sidewall defining an interior projection at least partly spaced apart from the inner wall. The water collection device also includes a float within the collection tube. The float has an upper end and a lower end, the lower end having an axial bore sized to fit over the interior projection defined by the upwardly projecting sidewall.

Abstract: In a sensor device for determining ambient conditions of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising at least one transmitter for emitting electromagnetic radiation, in particular infrared radiation, comprising at least three receivers for receiving electromagnetic radiation, in particular infrared radiation, wherein at least one transmitter is assigned to at least one receiver for determining precipitation on at least one glass surface, in particular the windscreen of the motor vehicle, and wherein at least three receivers are aligned for receiving electromagnetic radiation from different angular regions, it is provided as essential to the invention that the spatial receiving regions of at least one first and at least one second receiver are aligned substantially horizontally, that the spatial receiving region of at least one third receiver is aligned substantially upwards.

Abstract: An integrated inside mirror assembly for a vehicle may have a stay fixed to a windshield glass of the vehicle and an inside mirror coupled to the stay, in which the stay may include a sub stay coupled to a rear surface of the inside mirror, a base attached to an upper end of the windshield glass and to which a rain sensor is mounted, a mount slidably assembled at an outside of the base and coupled to the sub stay through a ball joint, a stay cover coupled to the mount while surrounding the mount and attached to the upper end of the windshield glass, and an antenna cover assembled at one side of the mount and to which an antenna member is mounted.

Abstract: A humidity sensor includes a detection device with a capacitance changing with humidity at a first ratio and a reference device with a capacitance changing with humidity at a second ratio smaller than the first ratio. The detection device has detection electrodes facing each other with a first gap and a detection humidity-sensitive film covering the detection electrodes. The reference device has reference electrodes facing each other with a second gap and a reference humidity-sensitive film covering the reference electrodes. The detection humidity-sensitive film and the reference humidity-sensitive film are made from the same material and have the same thickness. The detection electrodes and the reference electrodes are made from the same material and have the same width and thickness. The second ratio peaks when the second gap is equal to a predetermined value. The second gap is smaller than the first gap and the predetermined value.

Abstract: An accessory system for a vehicle includes a bracket configured for adhesive attachment at an in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield. The bracket includes an attaching portion having an aperture therethrough and includes a pair of attaching arms extending from the attaching portion. An interior rearview mirror assembly has a mounting base that is attached at the attaching portion of the bracket with the bracket adhesively attached at the windshield. With the mounting base attached at the attaching portion, a rain sensor is disposed at the in-cabin surface of the windshield and the aperture of the attaching portion circumscribes the rain sensor. With the bracket adhesively attached at the windshield, a forward camera module is attached at the attaching arms of the bracket and generally at the in-cabin surface of the windshield so that an imager of the forward camera module has a field of view through the windshield.

Abstract: A capacitive sensing system are configured to sense a capacitance value and convert the sensed capacitance value to a digital format. The capacitive sensing system provides good selectivity and immunity to noise and interference, which can be further enhanced by enabling spread spectrum excitation. In some embodiments, the capacitive sensing system utilizes a sinusoidal excitation signal that results in low electromagnetic emissions, limited to narrow frequency band. In some embodiments, the capacitive sensing system is configured to operate in a spread spectrum mode, in which the majority of the excitation signal power is carried in the assigned bandwidth. The excitation frequency and the bandwidth of the spread spectrum excitation signal are programmable in a wide range, which allows for avoiding frequency conflicts in the operating environment.

Abstract: Composite glass pane comprising at least a. one inner pane (1), b. one outer pane (2), and c. one intermediate layer (3) between the inner pane (1) and the outer pane (2), wherein the intermediate layer (3) contains at least one first thermoplastic film (3b) with a first luminescent pigment (3a), a second thermoplastic film (3d), and a barrier film (3c) between the thermoplastic films (3b, 3d) and wherein the luminescent pigment (3a) contains a hydroxyalkyl terephthalate having the formula: R1—COO—P(OH)x(0-4)-COO—R2, where R1, R2 is an alkyl or allyl residue having 1 to 10 C atoms, P is a phenyl ring, OH is hydroxyl groups bonded to the phenyl ring, and x is the number of hydroxyl groups bonded to the phenyl ring.

Abstract: A sensor device includes a sensor element; and a wiring substrate having a first joint surface electrically joined with the sensor element, a substrate body that contains an organic insulating material and in which an electronic component is embedded, and a regulation part that regulates the first joint surface from deforming.

Abstract: The present invention essentially comprises a system, method, computer program and combinations thereof to utilize dual-polarization generated data generally associated with weather and non-weather events for mapping data, producing geo-referenced data, producing mosaics, generation of precipitation masks, non-precipitation mask, and classification masks in general, production of vertical cross sections and predetermined fly throughs, producing short term forecasting, prediction of specific weather phenomenon, correcting or adjusting rain gauge data as well as quantitative precipitation estimation, and combining other meteorological data to correct or adjust estimated rainfall accumulation gathered by dual-polarization radar.

Abstract: A method for detecting precipitation is disclosed. The method may include receiving a signal from a sensing module positioned in the vicinity of a railroad track, the signal being indicative of a capacitive dielectric property of a form of precipitation that has accumulated in the vicinity of the railroad track. The method may further include processing the signal from the sensing module to determine the type of precipitation that has accumulated in the vicinity of the railroad track as a function of the indicated capacitive dielectric property. The method may still further include sending a signal indicative of a recommended action based on the type of precipitation.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of a data collection method and apparatus comprises at least one sensor that may be configured as a mobile data collection apparatus, which sensor may be in communication with a controller. The data collection apparatus may include one or more sensors, including but not limited to air pressure, air humidity, air temperature, road surface temperature, lightning distance, light level, precipitation rate, ozone level, carbon dioxide level, nitrous oxide level, and methane level; all of which may be in communication with a controller. One or more sensors may be positioned on or within a main assembly.

Abstract: A device for attaching to an electric power line conductor an electrically conductive housing with an opening for accepting the power line conductor. The housing is configured to be grounded to the power line conductor. At least one magnetic core is configured to surround the power line conductor and power a power supply electronics module. An infrared optical rain sensor measuring device is located within the housing.

Abstract: A method for detecting precipitation is disclosed. The method may include receiving a signal from a sensing module positioned in the vicinity of a railroad track, the signal being indicative of a capacitive dielectric property of a form of precipitation that has accumulated in the vicinity of the railroad track. The method may further include processing the signal from the sensing module to determine the type of precipitation that has accumulated in the vicinity of the railroad track as a function of the indicated capacitive dielectric property. The method may still further include sending a signal indicative of a recommended action based on the type of precipitation.

Abstract: An assembly includes a mount (10) and a sensor (30), in particular a rain/light sensor for a motor vehicle, the mount (10) including at least two abutments (12) for a clamping bracket (50), wherein at least one clamping bracket (50) is hinge-fitted to the sensor (30) at two bearing points, the clamping bracket (50) being adapted to swivel between a mounting position and a clamping position, in which it urges the sensor (30) against the mount (10) with a pretensioning force.

Abstract: Provided is a disdrometer system having a three-dimensional laser array unit, including: a plurality of laser transmitting parts which are arranged on an inner side of a cylindrical body to generate a laser beam; a plurality of laser receiving parts which are arranged on the inner side of the cylindrical body to correspond to the laser transmitting parts; and a laser control part which converts a cut-off signal of the laser beam, which is cut-off by precipitation drops flowing into the inner side of the cylindrical body, into an electrical signal, and records the converted electrical signal. Thus, the disdrometer system has an effect that the shape, volume, number, falling velocity of precipitation drops, and the intensity, density and weight of rainfall can be integrally measured.

Abstract: Described herein is a rain intensity sensor. The sensor includes a circuit, which includes a resistor and at least two spaced apart electrically conductive strips electrically connected in series to the resistor. The resistor is located between the conductive strips. The conductive strips are sufficiently spaced apart such that when a raindrop contacts with the conductive strips provides a resistive path therebetween and which is electrically parallel with the resistor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided herein for sensing rain fall for use in irrigation control. In one embodiment, a wireless rain sensor comprises a housing at least partially covering a first sensor, a controller and a wireless transmitter. The first sensor comprises a moisture absorptive material located to be contacted by rain fall and configured to expand in response to the contact with the rain fall and contract in response to an absence of the rain fall. The controller is coupled to the first sensor and configured to output signals corresponding to a variable amount of expansion and contraction of the moisture absorptive material. The wireless transmitter is configured to transmit wireless signals, at least one wireless signal comprising data corresponding to the variable amount of expansion and contraction of the moisture absorptive material.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a power transmission line of a power grid, including a first comprehensive sensor (402, 502) disposed at the intermediate position of a power transmission line between two towers including an altimeter, a first acceleration sensor, a temperature and humidity sensor and a rainfall sensor; a second comprehensive sensor (404, 504) disposed at the cable connector of the power transmission line including a leakage current sensor, a tension sensor and a wind speed and direction sensor; and a second acceleration sensor (406, 506) disposed at the intermediate position of the power transmission line between the cable connector of the power transmission line and the first comprehensive sensor (402, 502). A method for monitoring a power transmission line of a power grid, including a step of monitoring the sag condition, wind yaw angle, motion and position tracking, flutter conditions, breeze vibration level, fatigue life and icing situation of a power transmission line.

Abstract: A precipitation sensor including a cantilevered sensor member having a cantilevered portion and an upper and a lower surface extending on opposite sides of the cantilevered portion. The sensor member can receive falling precipitation on the upper surface and vibrate when struck by such precipitation. The cantilevered portion can have outer perimeter edges that are sloped downwardly for shedding the precipitation off the cantilevered portion. An electromechanical sensor can be incorporated with at least a part of the cantilevered portion of the sensor member for sensing the vibrations of the sensor member caused by the precipitation, and generating an electrical response from which precipitation properties can be determined. A support structure can be connected to the lower surface of the cantilevered portion at about a central region of the sensor member for supporting the sensor member. The cantilevered portion extends outwardly beyond the support structure.

Abstract: The present inventions relate generally to methods, apparatus and systems for measuring snow stability and structure which may be used to assess avalanche risk. The disclosed apparatus includes a sensing unit configured to measure a size of snow grains as the sensing unit is being driven into a layer of snow. The disclosed apparatus may also be configured to take other environmental measurements, including resistance to penetration, temperature, humidity, slope aspect and inclination. Methods and apparatus are also disclosed for generating a profile of snow grain size according to depth based on the measured size of snow grains. Systems and apparatus are also disclosed for sharing the generated profiles among a plurality of users via a central server, and for evaluating an avalanche risk at a geographic location.

Abstract: A double ball rearview device mounting assembly includes a bracket having a windshield engagement surface, an internal sensor receiving aperture, and an external clip engagement wall. A sensor is adapted for reception in the internal sensor receiving aperture. A clip is operably coupled to the bracket to secure the sensor. A bracket cover is configured to slide into secure engagement with the bracket and includes a first mounting ball. A barrel is pivotally coupled to the first mounting ball at one end, and is pivotally coupled to a second mounting ball at the other end. A rearview device is operably mounted to the second mounting ball.

Abstract: A rain monitoring system includes a rain monitor configured to measure fluid precipitation. A mount is provided and the rain monitor is attached to the mount. The mount includes a lower plate that has a top side, a bottom side and a perimeter edge. The lower plate has a plurality of primary apertures extending therethrough. An upper plate has an upper side, a lower side and an exterior edge. The upper plate has a plurality of secondary apertures extending therethrough. The rain monitor may be positioned on the upper side. A plurality of fasteners each has a first end and a second end. Each of the fasteners extends through a corresponding one of the primary apertures. Each of the fasteners threadably engages one of the secondary apertures to retain the upper plate above the lower plate. A support is attached to the mount and supports the mount above a surface.

Abstract: Described herein is a rain intensity sensor. The sensor includes a circuit, which includes a resistor and at least two spaced apart electrically conductive strips electrically connected in series to the resistor. The resistor is located between the conductive strips. The conductive strips are sufficiently spaced apart such that when a raindrop contacts with the conductive strips provides a resistive path therebetween and which is electrically parallel with the resistor.

Abstract: The present invention essentially comprises a system, method, computer program and combinations thereof to utilize dual-polarization generated date generally associated with weather events for mapping data, producing geo-referenced data, producing mosaics, generation of conditional precipitation masks, production of vertical cross sections and predetermined fly throughs, producing short term forecasting, prediction of specific weather phenomenon, correcting or adjusting rain gauge data as well as quantitative precipitation estimation, and combining other meteorological data to correct or adjust estimated rainfall accumulation gathered by dual-polarization radar.

Abstract: A rain detector for use with an automotive vehicle. The rain detector includes a capacitance sensor mounted to the inside surface of a windshield. The sensor includes at least two output lines which vary in capacitance as the function of magnitude of rain on the outside surface of the windshield. A programmed microcontroller receives the sensor output lines as analog input signals and then compares the magnitude of the capacitance with a threshold capacitance. In the event that the sensed capacitance exceeds the threshold capacitance, indicative of raindrops on the outside surface of the windshield, the microcontroller generates an output signal to the wiper control circuitry of the vehicle to activate the windshield wiper system.

Abstract: A rain gauge includes an orifice which is of a diameter generating water drops of uniform mass. A sensor below the orifice senses individual water drops. An adapter for an irrigation controller having a master valve output and a rain switch input and a system therefor includes a rain gauge input, a weather station input receiving Evapotranspiration data (ET) and an input from the master valve output receiving irrigation program cycles. A routine for updating the current water balance value by reducing the sum of the rainfall and the irrigation cycles by the value of ET is used with an output to the rain switch input responsive to the determination of the current water balance value. A maximum water balance value and a minimum water balance value are maintained to compare with the current water balance value to control the irrigation program.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the amount of snow cover and snowfall using electrical conduction. The apparatus includes: a collection container in which the snow is flowed and is piled up and which is opened upwards; a supporting mount for supporting the collection container; a first conductor that is disposed on a bottom of the collection container and contacts the snow piled up on the collection container; a plurality of second conductors that are disposed spaced apart from each other on sidewalls of the collection container in a height direction of the collection container and contact the snow piled up on the collection container; a power supply unit that is electrically connected to the first conductor and the plurality of second conductors; and a detection sensor for determining that the first conductor and the second conductors are electrically connected to each other, based on the snow piled up on the collection container.

Abstract: Provided is a disdrometer system having a three-dimensional laser array unit, including: a plurality of laser transmitting parts which are arranged on an inner side of a cylindrical body to generate a laser beam; a plurality of laser receiving parts which are arranged on the inner side of the cylindrical body to correspond to the laser transmitting parts; and a laser control part which converts a cut-off signal of the laser beam, which is cut-off by precipitation drops flowing into the inner side of the cylindrical body, into an electrical signal, and records the converted electrical signal. Thus, the disdrometer system has an effect that the shape, volume, number, falling velocity of precipitation drops, and the intensity, density and weight of rainfall can be integrally measured.

Abstract: A thermal plate precipitation measurement system (300) and a method of operating the thermal plate precipitation measurement system (300) is provided. The thermal plate precipitation measurement system (300) includes a first thermal plate system (301A) with first and second thermal plates (302A, 303A) and a second thermal plate system (301B) with first and second thermal plates (302B, 303B). A precipitation rate can be determined by configuring the first and second thermal plates (302A, 303A) of the first thermal plate system (301A) at a first temperature and configuring the first and second thermal plates (302B, 303B) of the second thermal plate system (301B) at a second temperature different than the first temperature.

Abstract: In a method for detecting rain on a windshield, whose degree of wetting is determined with at least one sensor value, it is provided that the sensor value is determined piezoelectrically, wherein vibrations on the windshield are detected, which change depending on the degree of wetting or raindrops hitting the windshield. As a result, the entire windshield serves as a detection surface, thereby yielding a high accuracy.

Abstract: An assembly includes a mount (10) and a sensor (30), in particular a rain/light sensor for a motor vehicle, the mount (10) including at least two abutments (12) for a clamping bracket (50), wherein at least one clamping bracket (50) is hinge-fitted to the sensor (30) at two bearing points, the clamping bracket (50) being adapted to swivel between a mounting position and a clamping position, in which it urges the sensor (30) against the mount (10) with a pretensioning force.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in connection with a hydrometeor measuring device. According to the method, the amount of precipitation is determined with the aid of the number and size of the hydrometeors. The determining of the size of the hydrometeors is altered as a function of the prevailing atmospheric pressure, in such a way that, the higher the atmospheric pressure, the larger a hydrometeor with the same speed will be estimated to be.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor arrangement for detecting ambient conditions, in particular for a motor vehicle, with at least one carrier plate and optical elements arranged on this carrier plate, wherein several of the optical elements are arranged around a shared central region on the carrier plate, and at least two of the optical elements arranged around the central region exhibit primary action axes. These primary action axes are adjusted at a predetermined angle relative to the carrier plate, wherein the primary action axes are directed toward the shared central region. Additional sensors arranged on the carrier plate include a rain sensor, a solar sensor as well as various light sensors, which preferably are arranged on receiving surfaces of the carrier plate.

Abstract: The rain gauge with a particulate separator is a balance-type precipitation gauge having a particulate separator for removing sand, dust and other environmental particulate matter. The particulate separator includes a spherical particulate separator mounted beneath a central nozzle and above first and second receptacles of the gauge. A frustoconical particulate separator is mounted beneath the spherical particulate separator and above the first and second receptacles, a central channel being formed therethrough. In operation, liquid flows through the central nozzle and clings to an outer surface of the spherical particulate separator, flowing through the central channel to alternately fill the first and second receptacles. Particulate matter flowing through the central nozzle is deflected by the outer surface of the spherical particulate separator to strike an inclined upper surface of the frustoconical particulate separator, falling through at least one vent formed through the housing to exit the housing.

Abstract: An inexpensive and simple-to-operate ice safety device is provided for deployment in a body of water. Once deployed, the ice safety device can be activated to check whether ice has formed to a predetermined thickness around the ice safety device. If ice has not formed to the predetermined thickness, the ice safety device indicates an unsafe condition. The ice safety device can be moored to a fixed location.

Abstract: A container system (10) for collecting and storing liquids comprises a receptacle (12) with an opening (11) at a top (13) thereof. The container system (10) further includes a lid (40) covering the opening (11) of the receptacle (12) and includes a central aperture (50) and a plurality of radial channels (60) in an upper and outer surface (41) spoking out from the aperture (50) to permit liquids impinging upon the outer surface (41) to flow through the channels (60) into the aperture (50). The lid (40) includes a screen (80) disposed and held within the aperture (50) with a plurality of interstices (82) therein.