US4516124A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Convertible amphibious aircraft wheel position warning system
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1982-07-22
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Granted: 1985-05-07
•
Expires: 2002-07-22
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus is provided for an amphibious aircraft which also has retractable landing gear. The apparatus senses changes in aircraft speed indicative of an imminent landing or a takeoff and prompts the pilot to verify that the landing gear is in a position compatible with the type of surface, land or water, chosen for landing.
Inventors
- 👤 Harry D. Shannon
- 👤 William P. Lutts
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 17:55
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08G; G08G5/00; G08G5/50; G08G5/54; B; B64; B64C; B64C25/00; B64C25/001; G08G5/52; G08G5/55
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
96 words
An apparatus for warning the pilot of an amphibious aircraft with retractable landing gear of the status of the landing gear comprising: (a) prompting means for warning the pilot that the aircraft is in a speed transition; (b) input means for receiving an indication from the pilot designating, in response to said prompting means, whether a landing is selected to be on land or on water; (c) means for sensing the position of the landing gear; (d) alarm means for indicating to the pilot if the retractable landing gear is properly placed for the selected landing.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
96 words
An apparatus for warning the pilot of an amphibious aircraft with retractable landing gear of the status of the landing gear comprising: (a) prompting means for warning the pilot that the aircraft is in a speed transition; (b) input means for receiving an indication from the pilot designating, in response to said prompting means, whether a landing is selected to be on land or on water; (c) means for sensing the position of the landing gear; (d) alarm means for indicating to the pilot if the retractable landing gear is properly placed for the selected landing.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further including: said prompting means including means for warning the pilot when the landing gear does not retract upon takeoff.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further including: means for electrically isolating said means for sensing from said alarm means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further including: means responsive to said means for sensing landing gear position for indicating a fault condition when the landing gear is sensed to be concurrently in an up and a down position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further including: means responsive to said means for sensing landing gear position for indicating a fault condition when the landing gear is sensed to be concurrently not in either the retracted or the extended position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said input means comprises: means permitting the pilot to verify the present position of the landing gear.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further including: means for providing the sensed position of the landing gear to said means for indicating.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is driven by an electrical power supply and further including: means for indicating a fault condition in response to a low power level in the power supply.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said prompting means comprises: (a) means for sensing aircraft speed; (b) means for comparing the sensed aircraft speed with a transition speed level; and (c) means for indicating when the transition speed level is crossed.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said prompting means includes: (a) means for sensing aircraft speed; (b) means for comparing the sensed aircraft speed with a takeoff transition speed level; and (c) means for indicating when the takeoff transition speed level is crossed.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said prompting means includes: (a) means for sensing aircraft speed; (b) means for comparing the sensed aircraft speed with a landing transition speed level; and (c) means for indicating when the landing transition speed level is crossed.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 1988-05-06 | 1988-11-05 | 1989-05-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-05-06 | 1992-11-05 | 1993-05-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-05-06 | 1996-11-05 | 1997-05-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |