Temperature-compensated precipitation gauge

Abstract

Abstract For recording precipitation at a remote station, a vertically mounted pipe is divided into an upper section (into which rain and snow fall) and a lower section. In the upper section is an overflow module consisting of a casing having openings in its bottom communicating with liquid in the upper section so that liquid level inside the casing is at the same level as in the upper section. An overflow pipe extends up from the lower section and through the bottom of the casing. A float and bellows is fixed to the upper end of the overflow pipe and an upper extension pipe is fixed above the bellows. Wires fixed to the upper extension pipe are attached to bi-metallic spirals which work against the bellows. Thus the elevation of the liquid inlet at the upper end of the upper extension pipe is temperature responsive. The upper member is initially partially filled with an anti-freeze solution to the level of the liquid inlet. As precipitation enters the upper pipe section, the liquid is maintained at the original level by flow into the casing and into the inlet, from which it drains down to the lower section to actuate a known tipping bucket which controls a reed switch used to control instruments to signal amount of precipitation to a central station. The lower section also contains electronic and transmitting equipment. By separating the two pipe sections, easy and rapid access to the contents of both sections is facilitated.

Inventors

• 👤 Charles E. Luchessa
• 👤 Timothy E. Brown

Bibliographic Details