Rain gauge
US3943762A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 15, 1974 |
| Grant date | Mar 16, 1976 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 15, 1994 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01W1/14
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A rain gauge comprising a counter and a pivoted bi-stable receiver having two compartments and which is adapted to pivot between first and second limit positions. A collector operates to collect the rainwater and directs it into one or the other of the compartments depending upon where the receiver is positioned. When the operative receiver compartment accumulates a predetermined amount of water, for example water representative of one-tenth of an inch of rainfall, it pivots to the other limit position, placing the other compartment in the operative position, dumping the contents of the first compartment and actuating a counter which registers the increment of rainfall. The actuation of the counter is accomplished by applying an electrical pulse to the counter, the pulse being generated by the pivotal movement of the receiver. The pulse is generated by a sensor cooperating with and sensing receiver movement such as reed switch responsive over the middle range of its movement to a magnet carried by the receiver. Adjustable counterweight means are provided to adjust the balance of the receiver to enable accurate calibration of the gauge.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.