US3668621A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multiple altitude signaling device
Assignee: Eastman Kodak Co
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Filing: 1970-05-01
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Granted: 1972-06-06
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Expires: 1990-05-01
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus particularly suitable for use during aircraft landing and departures under conditions of minimum visibility wherein a signal is provided to the pilot of the aircraft when the aircraft has reached any one of a series of preselected altitudes. The apparatus consisting of an altitude sensing device adapted to provide an output pulse as the aircraft reaches each of a series of preselected altitudes, an actuating device capable of receiving the pulse, interpreting the pulse and activating the appropriate portion of the signaling device, and a signaling device capable of warning the pilot of the aircraft altitude while he is looking through the aircraft wind screen.
Inventors
- 👤 Carl L Boyd
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 04:04
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01C; G01C5/00; G01C5/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
122 words
In an altitude signaling apparatus for furnishing aircraft pilots with definite signals when the aircraft has reached each of a series of preselected altitudes, the combination of: a. a plurality of signaling means capable of providing the pilot with the desired altitude information while the pilot is looking through the aircraft windscreen; c. b. actuating means for selectively actuating each of said plurality of signaling means in accordance with data defining the altitude of the aircraft; sensing means for producing data defining the altitude of the aircraft, and d. means operatively connecting the data produced by said sensing means to said actuating means whereby at least one of said signaling means is actuated whenever the aircraft reaches each of the predetermined altitudes.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
122 words
In an altitude signaling apparatus for furnishing aircraft pilots with definite signals when the aircraft has reached each of a series of preselected altitudes, the combination of: a. a plurality of signaling means capable of providing the pilot with the desired altitude information while the pilot is looking through the aircraft windscreen; c. b. actuating means for selectively actuating each of said plurality of signaling means in accordance with data defining the altitude of the aircraft; sensing means for producing data defining the altitude of the aircraft, and d. means operatively connecting the data produced by said sensing means to said actuating means whereby at least one of said signaling means is actuated whenever the aircraft reaches each of the predetermined altitudes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
An altitude signaling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the signaling means comprises a visual display suitable for mounting within the peripheral vision of the pilot as he looks through the aircraft windscreen.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
An altitude signaling apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said visual display comprises a plurality of electric lights at least one of which is actuated each time the aircraft reaches each of the preselected altitudes.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
An altitude signaling apparatus according to claim 3 wherein means is provided for maintaining said electric lights in an energized condition until manually de-energized.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
An altitude signaling apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the electric lights are arranged in a geometrical pattern, the progressive lighting of which corresponds with the passage of the aircraft through the preselected altitudes.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
An altitude signaling apparatus according to claim 2 wherein audio signaling means is operatively connected to the display apparatus so as to generate an audio signal and thereby alert the pilot to the changed condition of the visual display.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
An altitude signaling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the signaling means comprises an audio signaling means capable of providing a different audio signal for each of the preselected altitudes.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
An altitude signaling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the sensing means is a radar altimeter.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-06-06 | 1975-12-06 | 1976-06-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-06-06 | 1979-12-06 | 1980-06-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-06-06 | 1983-12-06 | 1984-06-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |