Weatherproof sensing apparatus with rotatable sensor
US5591907A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 13, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jan 7, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 13, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01Q1/42
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A sensing apparatus, for use in adverse conditions comprising a housing having an aperture formed therein. A generally spherically shaped housing, which is larger in size than the aperture, partially extends through the aperture. The generally spherically shaped housing supports a desired sensor and is supported for rotation about an axis of rotation. A drive mechanism is provided for rotating the generally spherically shaped housing to and fro about its rotational axis from a use position, in which the sensor is positioned outside the housing to obtain sensor measurements, to a retracted position in which the sensor is completely accommodated within the housing and sheltered from the elements. A peripheral scraping ring is mounted circumferentially about the aperture in close proximity to an exterior surface of the generally spherically shaped housing but spaced therefrom. The scraping ring is positioned to remove any snow, ice, rain, freezing rain, moisture, dirt, soot, or other contaminants contained on the exterior surface of the generally spherically shaped housing during rotation thereof. The sensing apparatus also includes fans, a calibration device and a heater to maintain …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.