Patent US3839638A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3839638A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fluorescent marker
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1973-05-21
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Granted: 1974-10-01
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Expires: 1993-05-21
Abstract
Abstract A means for locating (search and rescue), and enabling surveillance of, articles, and the identification of reference points, particularly on water and at night, in which a laser is used to illuminate available fluorescent chemicals such as those used for current daylight search and rescue missions.
Inventors
- 👤 R Hughes
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 09:12
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/62; G01N21/63; G01N21/64; G01N21/6447; G01S; G01S17/00; G01S17/02; G01N21/6428; G01N2021/6439
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
190 words
An automatic search and rescue system for application during both daylight and dark periods, wherein personnel, such as a downed aircraft pilot, are located from the air for immediate or subsequent pickup and rescue, comprising: a sea dye marker visible to the human eye during day light and capable of fluorescing when illuminated by an appropriate source, deployed by said personnel in the area of his position; a helicopter piloted by a human operator in a search pattern, wherein at least one person aboard said helicopter can visually scan the surface of the earth for detection of said marker; and a gas laser supported by said helicopter and operated to perform a preselected scan pattern over said surface during said dark periods, providing a beam having a wavelength shorter than the fluorescent wavelength of the marker, such that said marker fluoresces and is detectable during said dark periods when illuminated by said beam; wherein said at least one person can visually detect and identify said marker during both daylight and dark periods such that search and rescue operations can be extended into and throughout the night without loss of effectiveness.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
190 words
An automatic search and rescue system for application during both daylight and dark periods, wherein personnel, such as a downed aircraft pilot, are located from the air for immediate or subsequent pickup and rescue, comprising: a sea dye marker visible to the human eye during day light and capable of fluorescing when illuminated by an appropriate source, deployed by said personnel in the area of his position; a helicopter piloted by a human operator in a search pattern, wherein at least one person aboard said helicopter can visually scan the surface of the earth for detection of said marker; and a gas laser supported by said helicopter and operated to perform a preselected scan pattern over said surface during said dark periods, providing a beam having a wavelength shorter than the fluorescent wavelength of the marker, such that said marker fluoresces and is detectable during said dark periods when illuminated by said beam; wherein said at least one person can visually detect and identify said marker during both daylight and dark periods such that search and rescue operations can be extended into and throughout the night without loss of effectiveness.
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) | 1977-09-30 | 1978-04-01 | 1978-10-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-09-30 | 1982-04-01 | 1982-10-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-09-30 | 1986-04-01 | 1986-10-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |