Measuring and testing – Meteorology – Precipitation
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-05
2001-10-02
Noori, Max (Department: 2855)
Measuring and testing
Meteorology
Precipitation
C073S862581
Reexamination Certificate
active
06295868
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a real-time snow load measuring system. More particularly, the invention relates to a system which is installed onto a roof top surface for continuously monitoring and reporting the snow load thereon.
The accumulation of snow is most often thought to be problematic only for the transportation and mobility needs of a society. However, to those who maintain buildings in climates where snow is abundant, the accumulation of snow on rooftops can be a great cause for concern.
Rooftops are ordinarily designed to withstand the elements, and occasional light loading. However, since they are typically not loaded, they are often built to withstand relatively low loading when compared to living areas. Since they are not likely to be loaded on a regular basis, the acceptable design loading is a compromise between the desire to make any building a strong as possible, and the desire to keep construction costs reasonable. Accordingly, the architect, in accordance with local building codes, will specify a maximum loading for the rooftop surface.
When snow accumulates on roof tops, building managers and homeowners alike grow concerned as to whether the maximum loading is exceeded. Although certain rules of thumb may be employed to estimate the weight of a certain layer of snow by its thickness, a layer of ice or wet slush can greatly skew such estimates, and can rapidly increase loading to dangerous levels. In addition, without a monitoring system in place, a dangerous condition can easily escape the attention of the building manager or homeowner until it is too late.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to produce a real time snow load measuring system which is capable of measuring the actual snow loading on a roof top surface in the location of the invention. Accordingly, the system employs a sensor unit which is permanently installed onto the roof top surface, so that the accumulation of snow and ice upon its sensor unit can be measured to determine the approximate loading on the remainder of the roof top surface.
It is another object of the invention to provide a real time snow load measuring system which provides the results of its load measurement in a meaningful and useful way. Accordingly, a display is provided which can be monitored by the user. In addition, the device may be easily linked to alarm units or other electronic control systems to provide a warning alert when set loading limits are reached or exceeded.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a real time snow load measuring system which is reliable and has a long useful life. Accordingly, the sensor unit has a simplistic two plate construction whose simplicity dictates few maintenance requirements and a low probability of failure.
The invention is a real-time snow load measuring system, for determining when an unsafe condition exists upon a roof top surface of a dwelling, comprising a sensor unit and a control unit. The sensor unit is mounted on the roof top surface, and includes a frame having a base plate and a sensor plate. A fluid substance is located between the base plate and sensor plate, such that the fluid substance is compressed, creating a fluid pressure, upon the presence of a snow load upon the sensor plate. A transducer is in communication with the fluid substance, and is capable of measuring the fluid pressure and producing a transducer output which is proportional to actual snow loading upon the sensor plate. The control unit receives the transducer output, provides a calibrated output on its display unit reflecting snow loading on the roof top surface where the sensor unit is mounted, and can also produce a warning when a predetermined maximum permissible roof loading level has been exceeded.
To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being part of the invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3698492 (1972-10-01), Lejeune
patent: 3752245 (1973-08-01), Johnson
patent: 3791375 (1974-02-01), Pfeiffer
patent: 4219090 (1980-08-01), Dayton
patent: 4852675 (1989-08-01), Wang
patent: 5886301 (1999-03-01), Preble
Goldstein Law Offices P.C.
Noori Max
LandOfFree
Real-time snow load measuring system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Real-time snow load measuring system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Real-time snow load measuring system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2606417