Patent US3984069A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3984069A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Visual runway indexing system
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1974-04-15
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Granted: 1976-10-05
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Expires: 1994-04-15
Abstract
Abstract Runway distances are disclosed on sides of translucent truncated pyramids mounted on spaced runway lights. The pyramids have flat tops and two translucent sloped sides with large numerals which face the runway at 120° angles. A rear face has a port with the hinged door for installation and maintenance access. A flat bottom with a central hole completes the pyramid. Sides and bottom are joined by inner and outer riveted angular channels. Anchor plates cover inner corners of the channels. The pyramids are mounted at thousand foot intervals. Cross bars are painted across the runway between opposite pyramids to promote pilots' perception of the indexed distances. Diffusers in the pyramids wash light evenly over the translucent faces for enhanced visibility. Transformers within the pyramids step up voltage to brighten runway lights.
Inventors
- 👤 Eugene R. Heyworth
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 09:39
CPC Classifications
B; B64; B64F; B64F1/00; B64F1/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
Visual runway indexing system comprising an indexer having a frame comprising parallel spaced angle pieces with plate edges fixed therebetween, the angle pieces being arranged in a generally triangular base frame and side frames extending upward an inward from apexes of the base frame to a spaced apart triangular upper arrangement, and cap means fitted on upper ends of the side frame members for joining the upper ends, translucent side plates mounted between adjacent side frame members and between bottom frame members and the cap, and a rear side plate mounted between adjacent side frame members, completing a closed truncated pyramid shape of the indexer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
105 words
Visual runway indexing system comprising an indexer having a frame comprising parallel spaced angle pieces with plate edges fixed therebetween, the angle pieces being arranged in a generally triangular base frame and side frames extending upward an inward from apexes of the base frame to a spaced apart triangular upper arrangement, and cap means fitted on upper ends of the side frame members for joining the upper ends, translucent side plates mounted between adjacent side frame members and between bottom frame members and the cap, and a rear side plate mounted between adjacent side frame members, completing a closed truncated pyramid shape of the indexer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The visual runway indexing system of claim 1 wherein the translucent side plates bear numerical indicia.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
71 words
The visual runway indexing system of claim 1 wherein the translucent sides plates and the rear side plates have truncated triangular form and have fastener holes along edges of the plates which are covered by frame members, and wherein frame members have holes corresponding with the holes in the plates, and further comprising fasteners inserted through the holes for securing inner and outer frame members together with plate edges interposed therebetween.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The visual runway indexing system of claim 3 wherein the fasteners comprise soft aluminum pop rivets.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
72 words
The visual runway indexing system of claim 1 further comprising a door opening in the rear side plate and a door covering the opening, hinge means connected to the top of the door and to the top of the door opening for permitting the door to swing upward, and fastener means at the bottom of the door and the door opening for permitting the door to be fastened in a closed position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
The visual runway indexing apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a base plate connected to the base frame, the base plate having a central opening for positioning over a fitting of a runway boundary light, completing the pyramid shape indexer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising truncated triangular anchor plates positioned over frame members portions and over apex portions of the base plate and having holes extending through the anchor plates and through the base plates for receiving anchor bolts.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
46 words
The visual runway indexing system of claim 1 wherein the indexers are positioned on opposite sides of runway boundaries at 1,000 foot intervals and further comprising contrasting lines on the runway surface interconnecting the opposite indexers and being oriented perpendicular to elongated directions of the runway.
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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) | 1979-10-05 | 1980-04-05 | 1980-10-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-10-05 | 1984-04-05 | 1984-10-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-10-05 | 1988-04-05 | 1988-10-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |