US3945338A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Location indicator for lost aircraft
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1974-11-13
•
Granted: 1976-03-23
•
Expires: 1994-11-13
Abstract
Abstract A location indicator for lost aircraft comprises a deflated balloon stored within an aircraft is connected to an inflator which is capable of generating a large quantity of lighter-than-air gas in less than one second in response to an omnidirectional crash sensor to inflate the balloon. The balloon is connected to the aircraft by a reeled line which becomes unreeled as the inflated balloon rises from the aircraft. The balloon is thus maintained at a predetermined height above the aircraft so as to be clearly visible for a long distance.
Inventors
- 👤 Affonso Henriques Correa
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 23:08
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63C; B63C7/00; B63C7/26; G; G08; G08B; G08B5/00; G08B5/002; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S116/00; Y10S116/09
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
116 words
A location indicator for lost aircraft comprising omnidirectional crash sensor means, means comprising an automobile air cushion inflator for generating a charge of lighter-than-air gas in response to said crash sensor means, said inflator comprises a small cylinder of stored gas and a solid propellant which produces a large amount of gas upon burning, an inflatable balloon having a check valve in the mouth thereof releaseably attached to said gas generating means in the deflated condition to receive said charge of gas so as to become inflated and buoyant in less than 1 second, and a reeled line connecting the balloon to the aircraft so that the balloon is maintained in spaced relation to the aircraft.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
116 words
A location indicator for lost aircraft comprising omnidirectional crash sensor means, means comprising an automobile air cushion inflator for generating a charge of lighter-than-air gas in response to said crash sensor means, said inflator comprises a small cylinder of stored gas and a solid propellant which produces a large amount of gas upon burning, an inflatable balloon having a check valve in the mouth thereof releaseably attached to said gas generating means in the deflated condition to receive said charge of gas so as to become inflated and buoyant in less than 1 second, and a reeled line connecting the balloon to the aircraft so that the balloon is maintained in spaced relation to the aircraft.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
A location indicator as claimed in claim 1 and a weight on the balloon so that the balloon will float on the surface of the water should the balloon become released when the aircraft is submerged in water.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
A location indicator as claimed in claim 1 and a luminescent coating on the balloon.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
41 words
A location indicator as claimed in claim 1 and further comprising an aircraft fuselage having a compartment in an upper portion thereof, a door closing said compartment and opening upon impact of the aircraft, said balloon being disposed in said compartment.
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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) | 1979-03-23 | 1979-09-22 | 1980-03-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-03-23 | 1983-09-22 | 1984-03-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-03-23 | 1987-09-22 | 1988-03-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |