US4044711A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Aerial distress marker
Assignee: Lee Raymond Organization Inc
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Filing: 1976-02-09
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Granted: 1977-08-30
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Expires: 1996-02-09
Abstract
Abstract A distress marker assembly in the form of an inflatable balloon fastened to a cylinder of compressed helium or hydrogen gas, with a flexible line fixed at one end to the cylinder and at the other end to an anchor unit. The anchor unit is shaped with a clasp for fastening to a fixed object or the person of the user, and formed with a pair of flexible clamp jaws through which the line is fed out to the balloon, when inflated. The balloon is marked with a distinctive color and with large letters spelling out S.O.S. The balloon contains a quantity of metal oxide powder to serve as a radar reflector.
Inventors
- 👤 Leon L. Jamison, deceased
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 22:17
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63B; A63B29/00; A63B29/02; A63B29/021; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S116/00; Y10S116/08; Y10S116/09
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
180 words
A distress kit for location of a person in distress by means of an inflatable balloon attached to the kit, comprising an inflatable balloon joined to a cylinder of pressurized gas of a density less than air, an anchor unit, and a flexible line joining the cylinder to the anchor unit, in which a quantity of fine metallic powder is located in the interior of the balloon, to serve as a radar marker when the balloon is inflated with the pressurized gas and the powder is dispersed throughout the balloon, and in which the anchor unit is formed of a member fitted with a first fastening means adaptable for fastening to an end of the flexible line, a second fastening means adaptable for clasping to an object apart from the assembly, and a third fastening means comprising means for clamping, under spring bias, a section of the line passing through the third fastening means, and third fastening means fitted with gripping means to permit manual adjustment of he clamping force of the said means about said section of the line.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
180 words
A distress kit for location of a person in distress by means of an inflatable balloon attached to the kit, comprising an inflatable balloon joined to a cylinder of pressurized gas of a density less than air, an anchor unit, and a flexible line joining the cylinder to the anchor unit, in which a quantity of fine metallic powder is located in the interior of the balloon, to serve as a radar marker when the balloon is inflated with the pressurized gas and the powder is dispersed throughout the balloon, and in which the anchor unit is formed of a member fitted with a first fastening means adaptable for fastening to an end of the flexible line, a second fastening means adaptable for clasping to an object apart from the assembly, and a third fastening means comprising means for clamping, under spring bias, a section of the line passing through the third fastening means, and third fastening means fitted with gripping means to permit manual adjustment of he clamping force of the said means about said section of the line.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
90 words
A distress kit for location of a person in distress by means of an inflatable balloon attached to the kit, comprising an inflatable balloon joined to a cylinder of pressurized gas of a density less than air, an anchor unit, and a flexible line joining the cylinder to the anchor unit, in which a quantity of fine metal powder is located in the interior of the balloon, to serve as a radar marker when the balloon is inflated with the pressurized gas and the powder is dispersed throughout the balloon.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
90 words
A distress kit for location of a person in distress by means of an inflatable balloon attached to the kit, comprising an inflatable balloon joined to a cylinder of pressurized gas of a density less than air, an anchor unit, and a flexible line joining the cylinder to the anchor unit, in which a quantity of fine metal powder is located in the interior of the balloon, to serve as a radar marker when the balloon is inflated with the pressurized gas and the powder is dispersed throughout the balloon.
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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) | 1980-08-29 | 1981-02-28 | 1981-08-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-08-29 | 1985-02-28 | 1985-08-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-08-29 | 1989-02-28 | 1989-08-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |