Device and method for detecting snow and ice
US6276202A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 20, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 21, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 20, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG08B19/02
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A device for detecting snow and ice which has a humidity sensor and an ambient temperature sensor. An evaluator switch is controlled according to a humidity sensor-measured variable, producing a control signal at set humidity values for defrosting a surface which is being monitored for snow and ice. The ambient temperature sensor activates the humidity sensor within a temperature range of between +2.degree. C. and -12.degree. C. The humidity sensor itself has a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) heating element. The current consumption of the heating element is used as a measure of humidity. Both the ambient temperature sensor and the humidity sensor are positioned at a mutual distance in a longitudinally extended sensor cartridge made of plastic. The temperature sensor is thermally decoupled from the PTC heating element. The PTC heating element is built into a metal sleeve in such a way that it is corrosion and humidity proof.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.