Abstract: A system for determining snowpack characteristics includes a weight plate, at least one pressure sensor, and an inert plate surrounding the weight plate. The weight plate and the inert plate can be spaced apart from one another, and, in some cases, the weight plate has a perimeter and the inert plate surrounds the entirety of the perimeter of the weight plate with a gap formed therebetween.

Abstract: The present application relates to a freezing precipitation detection device (10) comprising at least one first wetness detection means (1) in thermo-conducting contact with the upper (3A) surface of a sloped thermo-conducting sheet (3), at least one second wetness detection means (2) in thermo-conducting contact with the lower (3B) surface of said sloped thermo-conducting sheet (3), at least one surface temperature detection means (4) in thermo-conducting contact with said sloped thermo-conducting sheet (3), at least one processor (5) configured to receive at least one first signal (11;11A,11B,11C) from the first wetness detection means (1) and from the second wetness detection means (2) and from the surface temperature detection means (4), analyzing said first signal (11;11A,11B,11C) and determining the presence or the absence of a freezing precipitation on the surface of the sloped thermo-conducting sheet (3), at least one first apparatus (7) for external power relay receiving at least a second signal (12)

Abstract: A cover defining an outer contour of a sensor enclosure with at least three identifiable portions stacked along a vertical axis. A first portion having a circular domed shape. A second portion, disposed underneath the first portion and coupled to a base of the first portion, having a truncated cone shape. The second portion includes one or more protruding grooves arranged diagonally about the vertical axis and imprinted on an outer surface of the second portion. The one or more protruding grooves channel a portion of an inlet airflow drawn into a cavity of the cover into a circular airflow. A third portion, disposed underneath the second portion and coupled to a base of the second portion, having a truncated cone shape.

Abstract: Provided is a method, system, and sensor device for collecting fluid data and fluid conduit data. The sensor device includes an outer capsule that is free flowing within the fluid and provides fluid-tight containment to an interior compartment, at least one sensor mounted within the interior compartment, wherein the at least one sensor senses fluid data and fluid conduit data, the sensed fluid properties being the collected fluid data, and a conductor for activating the at least one sensor to sense fluid data and fluid conduit data, wherein the conductor passes from the interior compartment and through the outer capsule.

Abstract: An acoustic disdrometer is provided for measuring precipitation. The acoustic disdrometer has an acoustic transducer positioned within an acoustic chamber defined by an acoustic shell. Precipitation impacting the acoustic shell generates sound waves that are collected by the acoustic transducer for processing.

Abstract: Embodiments for controlling precipitation collection vessels to accurately and efficiently collect, measure, and aggregate precipitation accumulation data are disclosed. In one embodiment according to aspects of the present invention, a computer-implemented method includes collecting snow in a plurality of collection vessels by orienting an open end of each of the plurality of collection vessels perpendicularly to a direction of the wind based at least in part on a wind model. The computer-implemented method further includes measuring a snow level of the snow in each of the plurality of collection vessels to generate snow level data for each of the plurality of collection vessels. The computer-implemented method further includes aggregating the snow level data for each of the plurality of snow collection by assembling the snow accumulation data from each of the plurality of collection vessels.

Abstract: Disclosed is a precipitation gauge including a precipitation receiving member having a water collecting part provided in a shape of a funnel at a lower portion of a cylindrical body and a drain tube, a photodetector installed on an inner sidewall of the cylindrical body to detect snow collected in the precipitation receiving member, heating parts installed on a bottom surface of the water collecting part and a wall of the drain tube to receive a snow signal detected by the photodetector for operation of the heating parts, a rotatable fluid supply unit coupled on a connection tube coupled with the drain tube of the precipitation receiving member perpendicularly to the drain tube, and a flow rate measuring unit provided in a discharge tube coupled with the connection tube provided at a lower portion of the rotatable fluid supply unit to measure a flow rate.

Abstract: A method and system are provided. The method includes storing a set of references images without rain and spanning a plurality of different light conditions. The method further includes capturing, using a camera, an image of a scene with rain. The method also includes selecting a reference image from the set of reference images based on the light condition of the captured image. The method additionally includes performing an arithmetic subtraction image processing operation between the captured image and the reference image to generate a subtraction image. The method further includes estimating an amount of rain in the subtraction image based on previously calibrated values.

Abstract: Provided are an outdoor unit of an air conditioner that detects snow that piles up on the outdoor unit of the air conditioner and a method of controlling the same. When a detection device is installed in the outdoor unit and snow piles up in a snow cover detection area included in the detection device, it is detected using an optical sensor whether snow cover occurs. A value detected by the optical sensor is transmitted to a controller, and the controller compares the value with a default value, and when the controller receives a value different from the default value, the controller controls a fan driving unit to drive a fan. Wind generated by driving the fan removes snow that piles up in the snow cover detection area, a fan guard and a discharge port to prevent the fan from malfunctioning due to accumulated snow.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic bucket-type precipitation meter including: an inclined bucket which extends at an angle from one edge to the center so as to collect rainwater; a measurement bucket which extends downward so that the rainwater is collected at the center of the inclined bucket, wherein a measurement unit is installed on a side surface thereof so as to measure the collected rainwater; a covering part in which the upper covering part is formed at the upper part thereof and has an inclined contact surface having the same incline as the inclined bucket, and in which the lower covering part is formed at the lower part thereof so as to block the bottom surface of the measurement bucket; and a lifting and lowering driving unit which lifts and lowers the cover part.

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: 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 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: There is provided a fixed snow measuring plate, the snow measuring plate that is fixed to the ground and is provided on the land to be disposed in a lower part of one end of an instrument tower in which a sensor for observing drifted snow is installed, wherein the snow measuring plate is installed such that a position thereof is fixed to the ground.

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 intelligent rain sensor incorporates at least one hygroscopic member and a sensor that generates signals representative of its amount of expansion due to absorption of moisture. A microcontroller executes a pre-programmed algorithm that determines at least the rate of expansion and uses that information to distinguish between actual rainfall events on the one hand, and high humidity, dew or a light sprinkle on the other hand, and sends a shut off command to an irrigation controller.

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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.

Abstract: A meteorological system includes a precipitation gauge and a wind shield subsystem about the precipitation gauge. The wind shield subsystem includes an elevated support member about the precipitation gauge, a plurality of wind deflectors pivotably supported on the support member, and a pivoting attachment between each deflector and the support member. The pivoting attachment is configured to limit the travel of the deflector.

Abstract: An Omnidirectional rain gauge measures an azimuth and zenith direction of flying rainwater. The Omnidirectional rain gauge includes catchment and measurement units. The catchment unit has a plural conical cylinders having individually different heights, and being overlaid so that bottom vertexes of the plural conical cylinders coincide with or come close to each other. The overlaid plural conical cylinders are partitioned by partitions, arranged radially in a plurality of horizontal azimuth directions, to form a plurality of catchment cells. Each of the plurality of partitions is shaped as semicircle following a virtual spherical outer circumference. Diameter of each of top opening parts opposite to the bottom vertexes, of the overlaid plural conical cylinders is sized to follow virtual spherical outer circumference.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring snow depth includes a snow collector defining substantially vertically extending and opposing side walls. A plurality of light emitting devices equidistantly spaced in a substantially vertical manner is positioned along one side wall of the snow collector. A plurality of light sensors is equidistantly spaced in a substantially vertical manner along an opposite side wall of the snow collector. Each of the light sensors is optically aligned with a respective light emitting device for detecting light emitted from the light emitting device. A wireless transmitter is electronically coupled to the plurality of light sensors for transmitting signals regarding the state of the plurality of light sensors. A wireless receiver is configured for receiving the signals. A processor is programmed to receive the signals and determine and display a snow depth based on the signals.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system includes a mirror mounting button and a plurality of attachment members adhesively attached at the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield. An interior rearview mirror assembly has a mirror head and a mirror support, and a structure is configured for mounting to the attachment members attached at the vehicle windshield. The mirror head includes a mirror reflective element and a mirror casing, and the mirror support includes a mirror mount that is configured to mount the interior rearview mirror assembly to the mirror mounting button. The structure is configured to receive and be supported by the plurality of attachment members at the vehicle windshield, and, with the structure receiving and being supported by the attachment members, (a) the structure at least partially surrounds the mirror mounting button and (b) the structure accommodates a forward facing camera having a field of view through the vehicle windshield.

Abstract: A meteorological system includes a precipitation gauge and a wind shield subsystem about the precipitation gauge. The wind shield subsystem includes an elevated support member about the precipitation gauge, a plurality of wind deflectors pivotably supported on the support member, and a pivoting attachment between each deflector and the support member. The pivoting attachment is configured to limit the travel of the deflector.

Abstract: A rain gauge device is provided that uses a plurality of conductivity sensors to determine liquid levels. Certain rain gauge devices include a plurality of conductivity sensors fixed along the length of a support member, wherein each conductivity sensor comprises at least two selectable electrodes for sensing the presence of a liquid by measuring a conductivity of the liquid between these electrodes when a liquid is present between the sensing electrodes, and an electronic command unit adapted to apply a voltage between a common electrode and a selected electrode. Level measuring devices are also provided that comprise a collector, a measuring tube, a plurality of conductivity sensors and an electronic command unit for applying a voltage across the conductivity sensors and for converting the conductivity measured into a digital output for each increment. Methods of use and operation are also provided.

Abstract: An Omnidirectional rain gauge measures an azimuth and zenith direction of flying rainwater. The Omnidirectional rain gauge includes catchment and measurement units. The catchment unit has a plural conical cylinders having individually different heights, and being overlaid so that bottom vertexes of the plural conical cylinders coincide with or come close to each other. The overlaid plural conical cylinders are partitioned by partitions, arranged radially in a plurality of horizontal azimuth directions, to form a plurality of catchment cells. Each of the plurality of partitions is shaped as semicircle following a virtual spherical outer circumference. Diameter of each of top opening parts opposite to the bottom vertexes, of the overlaid plural conical cylinders is sized to follow virtual spherical outer circumference.

Abstract: Particle detection systems without knowledge of a location and velocity of a particle passing through a volume of space, are less efficient than if knowledge of the particle location is known. An embodiment of a particle position detection system capable of determining an exact location of a particle in a fluid stream is discussed. The detection system may employ a patterned illuminating beam, such that once a particle passes through the various portions of the patterned illuminating beam, a light scattering is produced. The light scattering defines a temporal profile that contains measurement information indicative of an exact particle location. However, knowledge of the exact particle location has several advantages. These advantages include correction of systematic particle measurement errors due to variability of the particle position within the sample volume, targeting of particles based on position, capture of particles based on position, reduced system energy consumption and reduced system complexity.

Abstract: A system and/or method for sensing the presence of moisture (e.g., rain) and/or other material(s) on a window such as a vehicle window (e.g., vehicle windshield or backlite). In certain example embodiments, a capacitor-based system and/or method is provided for auto-correlating sensor data to determine the existence of a material on the window, and then cross-correlating sensor data to identify the type and/or amount of that material (e.g., rain). This data may be used to actuate and/or deactivate a vehicle's wiper(s), and/or adjust wiper speed. In certain example embodiments, the sensor may include an array of at least two capacitors. In certain example embodiments, the system and/or method may perform check(s) to enhance the accuracy of the detection by comparing, for example, the sign of autocorrelation values, maximum autocorrelation values, and/or gradients of autocorrelation values.

Abstract: A change computing arrangement computing an amount of change in a measured value of a measurement signal of a raindrop sensor in a raindrop quantity sensing execution time period that is a time period, during which a wiper blade moves outside of a sensing range of the raindrop sensor. A difference computing arrangement computes a difference between a predetermined reference value and an initial measured value of the measurement signal of the raindrop sensor. A determining arrangement determines the quantity of raindrops on the windshield based on the amount of change, which is computed by the change computing arrangement, and the difference, which is computed by the difference computing arrangement.

Abstract: A rain gauge device is provided that uses a plurality of conductivity sensors to determine liquid levels. Certain rain gauge devices include a plurality of conductivity sensors fixed along the length of a support member, wherein each conductivity sensor comprises at least two selectable electrodes for sensing the presence of a liquid by measuring a conductivity of the liquid between these electrodes when a liquid is present between the sensing electrodes, and an electronic command unit adapted to apply a voltage between a common electrode and a selected electrode. Level measuring devices are also provided that comprise a collector, a measuring tube, a plurality of conductivity sensors and an electronic command unit for applying a voltage across the conductivity sensors and for converting the conductivity measured into a digital output for each increment. Methods of use and operation are also provided.

Abstract: A cylindrical collector of the rain gauge has a vertical distinctively colored stripe extending parallel to its vertical axis a focal length from its central axis on the opposite side of the rain gauge from rainfall indications. With this arrangement, the rain water in the rain gauge appears to have the color of a stripe which makes the water height easier to see. An open end of a parallelopiped interface receives the rain and has an area larger than the cross sectional area of the cylindrical collector to which it supplies the rain it receives. The numerals on the rain gauge indicating rainfall are scaled in proportion to the ratio of the area of the open end of the interface and the cross sectional area of the cylinder for easier reading. The parallelopipe design was selected to reduce the size of the shipping container and the dimension perpendicular to the holder is less than the width to permit the gauge to lie flat against a surface for hanging.

Abstract: A gauge for measuring an amount of precipitation includes first and second storage tanks each having an opened upper end and a lower end formed with a drain hole, a rainwater feeding unit to selectively feed rainwater into one of the first and second storage tanks for a predetermined time, rainwater discharge units connected to both ends of the rainwater feeding unit, respectively, to open the drain hole of one of the storage tanks into which rainwater is no longer fed, measuring devices to measure the weight of rainwater stored in the first storage tank and the second storage tank, respectively, and a data storage device to store data about the weight of rainwater measured by the measuring devices in real time.

Abstract: A system and/or method for sensing the presence of moisture (e.g., rain) and/or other material(s) on a window such as a vehicle window (e.g., vehicle windshield or backlite). In certain example embodiments, a capacitor-based system and/or method is provided for auto-correlating sensor data to determine the existence of a material on the window, and then cross-correlating sensor data to identify the type and/or amount of that material (e.g., rain). This data may be used to actuate and/or deactivate a vehicle's wiper(s), and/or adjust wiper speed. In certain example embodiments, the sensor may include an array of at least two capacitors. In certain example embodiments, the system and/or method may perform check(s) to enhance the accuracy of the detection by comparing, for example, the sign of autocorrelation values, maximum autocorrelation values, and/or gradients of autocorrelation values.

Abstract: A rain gauge device is provided that uses a plurality of conductivity sensors to determine liquid levels. Certain rain gauge devices include a plurality of conductivity sensors fixed along the length of a support member, wherein each conductivity sensor comprises at least two selectable electrodes for sensing the presence of a liquid by measuring a conductivity of the liquid between these electrodes when a liquid is present between the sensing electrodes, and an electronic command unit adapted to apply a voltage between a common electrode and a selected electrode. Level measuring devices are also provided that comprise a collector, a measuring tube, a plurality of conductivity sensors and an electronic command unit for applying a voltage across the conductivity sensors and for converting the conductivity measured into a digital output for each increment. Methods of use and operation are also provided.

Abstract: A gauge for measuring an amount of precipitation includes first and second storage tanks each having an opened upper end and a lower end formed with a drain hole, a rainwater feeding unit to selectively feed rainwater into one of the first and second storage tanks for a predetermined time, rainwater discharge units connected to both ends of the rainwater feeding unit, respectively, to open the drain hole of one of the storage tanks into which rainwater is no longer fed, measuring devices to measure the weight of rainwater stored in the first storage tank and the second storage tank, respectively, and a data storage device to store data about the weight of rainwater measured by the measuring devices in real time.

Abstract: A dual channel inflight ice detection system to detect ice accretion on an aircraft surface by illuminating an ice collecting surface mounted on an aircraft with linear polarized light. The backscattered light is acquired in two light conductors one with polarization sensitivity aligned to the transmitted light and the second with polarization sensitivity orthogonal to the first. The presence of ice is determined by the change in the ratio of light intensities in the two light conductors.

Abstract: A dual channel inflight ice detection system to detect ice accretion on an aircraft surface by illuminating an ice collecting surface mounted on an aircraft with linear polarized light. The backscattered light is acquired in two light conductors one with polarization sensitivity aligned to the transmitted light and the second with polarization sensitivity orthogonal to the first. The presence of ice is determined by the change in the ratio of light intensities in the two light conductors.

Abstract: A precipitation measurement device measures a precipitation rate of falling precipitation. A first probe is exposed to the falling precipitation. A first temperature sensor detects a first probe temperature. A second probe is shielded from the falling precipitation. A second temperature sensor detects a second probe temperature. A heating element heats the first probe and the second probe when turned on, but not when turned off. After being heated and when the heating element is turned off, the first probe cools at a first temperature drop rate, and the second probe cools at a second temperature drop rate. Circuitry processes a difference between the first temperature drop rate and the second temperature drop rate to determine the precipitation rate of the falling precipitation.

Abstract: A change computing arrangement computing an amount of change in a measured value of a measurement signal of a raindrop sensor in a raindrop quantity sensing execution time period that is a time period, during which a wiper blade moves outside of a sensing range of the raindrop sensor. A difference computing arrangement computes a difference between a predetermined reference value and an initial measured value of the measurement signal of the raindrop sensor. A determining arrangement determines the quantity of raindrops on the windshield based on the amount of change, which is computed by the change computing arrangement, and the difference, which is computed by the difference computing arrangement.

Abstract: A rain sensor and a method for installing a rain sensor are provided for a motor vehicle. The rain sensor includes a housing in which at least one printed circuit board is located and which has a light-conducting member, which at least partially closes the housing in the manner of a lid. A plate is located between the light-conducting member and the printed circuit board. During installation, the plate is partially punched through.

Abstract: A system measures dynamic force of an impacting spray of air and water. A pitot-tube section is aligned to receive a longitudinal flow of impacting air/water spray in a laterally extending orifice. A first differential pressure transducer is coupled to the pitot-tube section for producing signals representative of velocity of the air/water spray at the orifice. A rain gage section adjacent to the pitot-tube section receives and collects volumes of water of the longitudinal flow of air/water spray through a laterally extending opening. A second pressure differential transducer is coupled to the rain gage section to produce signals representative of the volumes of water collected in the rain gage section. A computer-based control/readout module receives the velocity representative signals and water volume representative signals for indicating the magnitude of dynamic force attributed to impacting air/water spray in the opening.

Abstract: A precipitation measuring system comprising a top thermal plate positioned to maximize exposure to falling precipitation and includes at least one ridge circumscribing the top surface for capturing precipitation. A second thermal plate is positioned under the top thermal plate to protect it from falling precipitation while still exposing it to the same atmospheric temperature and wind conditions. At least one solar radiation sensor is connected to the precipitation measuring system to measure solar radiation contacting at least one of the top and bottom thermal plates. During a precipitation event, the top and bottom thermal plates are maintained at a constant temperature and a power consumption curve for each thermal plate is quantified. The precipitation rate is measured by the difference in the power consumption curve for the top thermal plate and the power consumption curve for the bottom thermal plate.

Abstract: A precipitation measuring system comprising a top thermal plate positioned to maximize exposure to falling precipitation and includes at least one ridge circumscribing the top surface for capturing precipitation. A second thermal plate is positioned under the top thermal plate to protect it from falling precipitation while still exposing it to the same atmospheric temperature and wind conditions. At least one solar radiation sensor is connected to the precipitation measuring system to measure solar radiation contacting at least one of the top and bottom thermal plates. During a precipitation event, the top and bottom thermal plates are maintained at a constant temperature and a power consumption curve for each thermal plate is quantified. The precipitation rate is measured by the difference in the power consumption curve for the top thermal plate and the power consumption curve for the bottom thermal plate.

Abstract: A precipitation measuring system comprising a top thermal plate positioned to maximize exposure to falling precipitation and includes at least one ridge circumscribing the top surface for capturing precipitation. A second thermal plate is positioned under the top thermal plate to protect it from falling precipitation while still exposing it to the same atmospheric temperature and wind conditions. At least one solar radiation sensor is connected to the precipitation measuring system to measure solar radiation contacting at least one of the top and bottom thermal plates. During a precipitation event, the top and bottom thermal plates are maintained at a constant temperature and a power consumption curve for each thermal plate is quantified. The precipitation rate is measured by the difference in the power consumption curve for the top thermal plate and the power consumption curve for the bottom thermal plate.

Abstract: A precipitation measuring system comprising a top thermal plate positioned to maximize exposure to falling precipitation and includes at least one ridge circumscribing the top surface for capturing precipitation. A second thermal plate is positioned under the top thermal plate to protect it from falling precipitation while still exposing it to the same atmospheric temperature and wind conditions. At least one solar radiation sensor is connected to the precipitation measuring system to measure solar radiation contacting at least one of the top and bottom thermal plates. During a precipitation event, the top and bottom thermal plates are maintained at a constant temperature and a power consumption curve for each thermal plate is quantified. The precipitation rate is measured by the difference in the power consumption curve for the top thermal plate and the power consumption curve for the bottom thermal plate.