Vincent P Gutschick

US Patent:

46783300, Jul 7, 1987

Filed:

Apr 30, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/729022

Inventors:

Vincent P. Gutschick - Los Alamos NM
Michael H. Barron - Los Alamos NM
David A. Waechter - Los Alamos NM
Michael A. Wolf - Los Alamos NM

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the United States
Department of Energy - Washington DC

International Classification:

G01J 142

US Classification:

356222

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for measuring solar radiation received in a vegetative canopy. A multiplicity of sensors selectively generates electrical signals in response to impinging photosynthetically active radiation in sunlight. Each sensor is attached to a plant within the canopy and is electrically connected to a separate port in a junction box having a multiplicity of ports. Each port is connected to an operational amplifier. Each amplifier amplifies the signals generated by the sensors. Each amplifier is connected to an analog-to-digital convertor which digitizes each signal. A computer is connected to the convertors and accumulates and stores solar radiation data. A data output device such as a printer is connected to the computer and displays the data.