Patent US4299442A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4299442A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Aircraft visual collision and avoidance device
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1980-04-14
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Granted: 1981-11-10
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Expires: 2000-04-14
Abstract
Abstract The present invention relates to a device for use on airplanes to permit visual identification and location by pilots of other aircraft in the vicinity so as to avoid mid-air collision. The device receives light from any light source and reflects it to all points within at least a defined hemispherical area normal to the device, so as to make the plane visually observable by pilots, any other aircraft in the area. The device is formed as a tape and attached to various parts of an aircraft. The reflecting elements redirect and intensify each light source creating a readily recognizable shimmering image.
Inventors
- 👤 Arthur L. Buckelew
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 05:46
CPC Classifications
B; B64; B64D; B64D47/00; B64D47/02; B64D47/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
81 words
A "see and be seen" device for use on aircraft capable of receiving light from at least a one direction and for redirecting it in many directions having reflective means comprising: (a) a plurality of first elements serving as a lens means; (b) a plurality of second elements serving as means for directing light to said lens means; whereby the reflected light from said device causes said aircraft to be visually identified and located by other aircraft pilots in the vicinity.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
81 words
A "see and be seen" device for use on aircraft capable of receiving light from at least a one direction and for redirecting it in many directions having reflective means comprising: (a) a plurality of first elements serving as a lens means; (b) a plurality of second elements serving as means for directing light to said lens means; whereby the reflected light from said device causes said aircraft to be visually identified and located by other aircraft pilots in the vicinity.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
The "see and be seen" device of claim 1, wherein said reflective means is comprised of a plurality of circular concave elements for serving as a lens means for intensifying light and for redirecting said intensified light outward in many directions.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
52 words
The "see and be seen" device of claim 1, wherein said reflective means is comprised of a plurality of second element means of pyramid shaped reflective elements disposed so as to be capable of receiving light from any direction and for reflecting said light towards at least one of said lens means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
125 words
A "see and be seen" device capable of being disposed on various portions of an aircraft, capable of receiving light from any direction and for reflecting it outward in many directions comprising: (a) a first reflecting means, having formed therein, an array of concave circular identations for serving as a lens means for intensifying and directing said light outward in many directions; (b) a second reflecting means comprising an array of pyramid shaped elements disposed adjacent to and between said concave circular indentations for receiving light from any direction and for reflecting and redirecting light toward at least one of said concave circular identations; whereby, the reflected light causes said aircraft to be visually identified and located by any other aircraft pilots in the vicinity.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
125 words
A "see and be seen" device capable of being disposed on various portions of an aircraft, capable of receiving light from any direction and for reflecting it outward in many directions comprising: (a) a first reflecting means, having formed therein, an array of concave circular identations for serving as a lens means for intensifying and directing said light outward in many directions; (b) a second reflecting means comprising an array of pyramid shaped elements disposed adjacent to and between said concave circular indentations for receiving light from any direction and for reflecting and redirecting light toward at least one of said concave circular identations; whereby, the reflected light causes said aircraft to be visually identified and located by any other aircraft pilots in the vicinity.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The "see and be seen" device of claim 4, wherein said concave circular identations are one inch in diameter and are spaced two inches center to center apart.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The "see and be seen" device of claim 5, wherein said pyramid shaped elements are disposed between each of said concave circular indentations.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
The "see and be seen" device of claim 6, wherein said pyramid shaped elements have a one inch base and are 3/8 inch in height.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The "see and be seen" device of claim 4, wherein said pyramid shaped elements and concave circular elements are formed from a single reflective material.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
38 words
The "see and be seen" device of claim 4, wherein each of said pyramid shaped elements is rotated about it's principle axis so as to have a different principle angular axial relationship with each other pyramid shaped element.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The "see and be seen" device of claim 9, wherein said angular displacements is a multiple of 3.75 degrees.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The "see and be seen" device of claim 4, wherein said device is formed from mirror coated plastic.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
48 words
The "see and be seen" device of claim 4, wherein said device can be affixed to strategic portions of said aircraft, such as; wing tip, tail tip, fuselage top, fuselage bottom, wing edges and other areas for optimum visual observation, without affecting the flying characteristics of the aircraft.
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) | 1984-11-09 | 1985-05-11 | 1985-11-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-11-09 | 1989-05-11 | 1989-11-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-11-09 | 1993-05-11 | 1993-11-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |