US3924342A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ground-based flight simulators
Assignee: Thales Communications Ltd
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Filing: 1974-04-19
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Granted: 1975-12-09
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Expires: 1994-04-19
Abstract
Abstract A double scale model and television viewing camera arrangement for providing a visual display of a second aircraft, as viewed from a simulated trainee aircraft in ground-based flight simulator apparatus. Two models are used, a first mounted at its front, for generally rear views, and a second mounted at its rear, for generally front views. Both models are mounted on fourgimbal systems for movement to provide the required attitude relative to the viewer and either one is viewed, by way of split or alternative optical paths, according to whether a view in the front hemisphere or in the rear hemisphere of the second aircraft is required.
Inventors
- 👤 Roy Pedlar
- 👤 Brian Malcolm Boustred
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 22:00
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09B; G09B9/00; G09B9/02; G09B9/08; G09B9/30; G09B9/305
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
103 words
For use in a ground-based flight simulator for simulating flight of a first craft, apparatus for producing an image of a second craft comprising first and second model means of said second craft, the first model means for providing a generally rear view and the second model means for providing a generally front view of said second craft, both model means being correspondingly movable according to the desired aspect angle of the second craft from the first craft, camera means and means for enabling the said camera means selectively to view alternately the first and the second of the two said model means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
103 words
For use in a ground-based flight simulator for simulating flight of a first craft, apparatus for producing an image of a second craft comprising first and second model means of said second craft, the first model means for providing a generally rear view and the second model means for providing a generally front view of said second craft, both model means being correspondingly movable according to the desired aspect angle of the second craft from the first craft, camera means and means for enabling the said camera means selectively to view alternately the first and the second of the two said model means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the camera means is a single television camera.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, in which the viewing axis of the said camera means is split by optical means to provide alternative viewing paths for viewing the two said model means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, in which each of the alternative paths includes a shutter, the two shutters being adapted to open alternatively for alternative viewing of the first and the second model means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
39 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, in which both model means are provided with illuminating lamp means for providing alternative viewing of the two model means by illuminating the one model means and alternatively the other said model means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
42 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, including a television projector and projection screen, the television projector being electrically coupled to the television camera for deriving a signal from the said television camera and providing a projected image of the said second craft.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, in which the said camera has a zoom lens.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the camera means comprises a pair of cameras, one camera for viewing each model means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which both model means are mounted on three-gimbal systems having mutually perpendicular pitch, roll and yaw axes, and an erecting prism is provided on the viewing axis of the camera means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
40 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 9, in which the model means for rearward views is mounted at its front by a rotatable axial shaft for providing roll and the model means for forward views is similarly mounted at its rear.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
40 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 10, in which both said model means have the axial shafts mounted on a carriage adapted for movement around a part-circular track, for movements of pitch, each said track being rotatable about a yaw axis.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
125 words
In a ground-based flight simulation apparatus for simulataing flight of a first aircraft, a visual Display apparatus for simulating all-round view of a second aircraft therefrom, comprising first and second model means of the said second aircraft, the first said model means having support means attached to the front thereof and depicting particularly the second aircraft rear, the second said model means having support means attached to the rear thereof and depicting particularly the second aircraft front, means attached to both model support means for simultaneously and correspondingly moving both model means, camera means for viewing either model means, and optical means enabling the camera means selectively to view alternately the rear of said first model means and the front of said second model means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
125 words
In a ground-based flight simulation apparatus for simulataing flight of a first aircraft, a visual Display apparatus for simulating all-round view of a second aircraft therefrom, comprising first and second model means of the said second aircraft, the first said model means having support means attached to the front thereof and depicting particularly the second aircraft rear, the second said model means having support means attached to the rear thereof and depicting particularly the second aircraft front, means attached to both model support means for simultaneously and correspondingly moving both model means, camera means for viewing either model means, and optical means enabling the camera means selectively to view alternately the rear of said first model means and the front of said second model means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-12-08 | 1979-06-09 | 1979-12-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-12-08 | 1983-06-09 | 1983-12-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-12-08 | 1987-06-09 | 1987-12-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |