Weight Actuated (e.g., Tipping Bucket) Patents (Class 73/170.23)
  • Patent number: 11006589
    Abstract: In some embodiments, provide an irrigation sensor system, comprising: a rain funnel comprising an upper opening and at least one wall tapering from the upper opening to a lower aperture; and a tipping bucket positioned to receive water falling from the lower aperture while the tipping bucket is positioned such that a central longitudinal axis of the tipping bucket is not aligned with an axis extending through the lower aperture of the funnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Jorge A. Marsano, Joseph G. Porrazzo, John E. Price, Hari Reddy
  • Patent number: 8555714
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM)
    Inventors: Byung-Gon Chae, Jung-Hae Choi, Young-Cheon Won
  • Publication number: 20130047718
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM)
    Inventors: Byung-Gon CHAE, Jung-Hae CHOI, Young-Cheon WON
  • Patent number: 6295868
    Abstract: A real-time snow load measuring system, for determining when an unsafe condition exists upon a roof top surface of a dwelling, having a sensor unit and a control unit. The sensor unit is mounted on the roof top surface, and includes a frame having a base plate and a sensor plate. A fluid substance is located between the base plate and sensor plate, such that the fluid substance is compressed, creating a fluid pressure, upon the presence of a snow load upon the sensor plate. A transducer is in communication with the fluid substance, and is capable of measuring the fluid pressure and producing a transducer output which is proportional to actual snow loading upon the sensor plate. The control unit receives the transducer output, provides a calibrated output on its display unit reflecting average snow loading on the roof top surface, and can also produce a warning when a predetermined maximum permissible roof loading level has been exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Christopher Cooper