Compact, collapsible rotating cup anemometer is used in remote locations where portability and durability are factors in the choice of equipment. This lightweight instrument has a low wind-velocity threshold, is capable of withstanding large mechanical shocks while in its stowed configuration, and has fast response to wind fluctuations

Wellman, J. B.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

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December 1968	 Briel68-10436 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U.S. space program, 
to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public at 15 cents each 
from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Compact Rotating Cup Anemometer 
Ball Bearing 
FIGURE 1 
This compact, collapsible rotating cup anemometer 
has been designed for use in remote locations where 
portability and durability are factors in the choice of 
equipment. In the closed position, the three anemom-
eter cups nest inside each other and lie over the hub 
assembly. In the open, or operational, configuration, 
the cups are positioned 120 degrees apart by the 
anemometer arms. The combination of interlacing 
arms and skewed hinge axes permits a large, sensitive 
anemometer to be stowed in the smallest possible 
cylindrical volume (I 1/2-inch diameter x 1-inch 
high). This lightweight instrument has a low wind-
velocity threshold, which is comparable to that of 
conventional rotating cup anemometers: stores in less 
than one-tenth the volume of such devices: is capable 
of withstanding large mechanical shocks while in its 
stowed configuration: and has fast response to wind 
fluctuations. 
A cross section of the folded anemometer is shown 
in Figure 1. Upon release, the cups rotate off the
hub sequentially on three spring-loaded skew axes. 
At the same time, the three arms, which are stowed 
beneath the hub, rotate outwardly 180 degrees about 
another set of three spring-loaded (arm) axes until the 
anemometer assumes its operational configuration 
(Figure 2). In this configuration, the anemometer is 
free to rotate on its two miniature ball bearings. The 
rotational speed of the hub is detected photoelec-
trically from beneath the hub. A lid (not shown) main-
tains the anemometer in the closed configuration until 
the instrument must be put into service. A coil (cag-
ing) spring keeps the load off the bearings and cages 
NO
FIGURE 2
(continued rnerlea(( 
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the mechanism. Upon command, a squib (not shown) 
is fired to release the cups and permit them to spring 
open. The caging spring then lifts the hub into posi-
tion on the shaft, placing the anemometer in opera-
tional condition. 
Note: 
No additional documentation is available. Inquiries 
may be directed to: 
Technology Utilization Officer 
NASA Pasadena Office 
4800 Oak Grove Drive 
Pasadena, California 91103 
Reference: B68-10436
Patent status: 
No patent action is contemplated by NASA. 
Source: J. B. Wellman 
Jet Propulsion Laboratory 
(N P0-10563) 
Brief 68-10436	 Category 01


Compact rotating cup anemometer

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