Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatically measuring precipitation using a precipitation-collection bowl configured to selectively spin around a vertical axis under control of a controller in order to empty, from time-to-time, any collected precipitation, as well as expelling debris that may land on the bowl. In some embodiments, a load cell is configured to weigh the bowl and collected water to determine the amount of collected precipitation and report the amount of collected precipitation to external equipment. Some embodiments use an electrical motor, such as a gearmotor or stepper motor, to spin the bowl. Some embodiments periodically measure the weight of the motor and bowl, and detect debris by sensing a sudden short-term change in a rate of measured precipitation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low-cost windshield wiper control system which can be readily incorporated into existing vehicle systems, particularly into an operator-accessible windshield wiper control unit assembly (100). The windshield wiper control assembly (100) is selectively operable as an intermittent wiper control system, or as a rain sensing windshield wiper control system without the need for microprocessors or multiplex circuitry.

Abstract: A moisture sensor is provided that simultaneously achieves ruggedness, sensitivity, wide dynamic range, versatility of application, and low cost. The outer, top service of the sensor is a lens having a predetermined geometric shape which preferably makes the rain sensor resistant to the build up of debris on the outer surface as well as being effectively self-cleaning. Within a housing of the rain sensor, at least one light emitter and at least one light detector are each deployed on a substantially planar circuit board facing such outer lens surface. So arranged, light rays from the at least one emitter strike the outer lens surface and is reflected about 90°, whereupon it strikes the outer lens surface once more and is again reflected therefrom about 90° to focus back onto the at least one detector. Raindrops present on the outside surface of the sensor affect the intensity of the light rays reflected and signals from the at least one light detector are sent to control circuitry within the rain sensor.