초록 ▼

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

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 the sensor in an operable condition.

대표청구항 ▼

A sensing apparatus for use in adverse conditions, said sensing apparatus comprising: a main enclosure defining an interior cavity protected from an exterior environment and having an aperture provided in a first surface thereof opening to the environment; and a sensor being supported by a generally

A sensing apparatus for use in adverse conditions, said sensing apparatus comprising: a main enclosure defining an interior cavity protected from an exterior environment and having an aperture provided in a first surface thereof opening to the environment; and a sensor being supported by a generally spherically shaped housing, said generally spherically shaped housing being larger in size than said aperture and partially extending through said aperture so that at least said sensor is extendible out through said aperture in said main enclosure for obtaining, when in a use position, sensor measurements; wherein said generally spherically shaped housing is rotatable relative to said aperture and is supported by said main enclosure for rotation about a rotational axis from the use position, in which said sensor is located outside said main enclosure and positioned to obtain desired sensor measurements, to a retracted position in which said sensor is completely accommodated within said interior cavity of said main enclosure; and a drive mechanism is coupled to said generally spherically shaped housing for rotating, as desired, said generally spherically shaped housing to the use position and to the retracted position.