Device and method for measuring and controlling the water content in man made snow
US5176320A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 4, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jan 5, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 4, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25C2303/048
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A noncontact, infrared energy measuring transducer senses the water content in snow by measuring the average intensity of infrared radiant energy emitted by the snow at substantially below freezing temperature, and the intensity of thereon superimposed infrared radiant energy emitted by an amount of water droplets being deposited at/or above freeze point temperature on the surface of the snow. The transducer generates an electric output signal being proportional to the average intensity of the snow emitted infrared radiated energy which is utilized in a servomechanism or sevomotor operated water valve to regulate the water flow in snowmaking systems.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.