US4777656A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Legislated emergency locating transmitters and emergency position indicating radio beacons
Assignee: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Filing: 1984-09-28
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Granted: 1988-10-11
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Expires: 2004-09-28
Abstract
Abstract An emergency locating transmitting (ELT) system comprising a legislated ELT modified with an interface unit and connected by a multiwire cable to a remote control monitor (RCM), typically located at the pilot position. The RCM can remotely (1) test the ELT by disabling the legislated swept tone and allowing transmission of a single tone, (2) turn the ELT "on" for legislated ELT transmission, and (3) reset the ELT to an "armed" condition. The RCM also provides visual and audio indications of transmitter operating condition as well as ELT battery condition. Removing the RCM or shorting or opening the interface input connections will not affect traditional ELT operation.
Inventors
- 👤 William R. Wade
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 06:42
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S1/00; G01S1/02; G01S1/68
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
A distress signal transmitting system located within a vehicular body comprising a distress transmitter at one position of said body and a control monitor at another position within said body which is convenient to an operator and remote from said transmitter, said transmitter being electrically connected to said control monitor and having means for providing operating condition alternatives of transmission with sweep frequency modulation, transmission that is distinguishable from said transmission with sweep frequency modulation, or non-transmission, and said control monitor having means for indicating said transmitter operating condition.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
89 words
A distress signal transmitting system located within a vehicular body comprising a distress transmitter at one position of said body and a control monitor at another position within said body which is convenient to an operator and remote from said transmitter, said transmitter being electrically connected to said control monitor and having means for providing operating condition alternatives of transmission with sweep frequency modulation, transmission that is distinguishable from said transmission with sweep frequency modulation, or non-transmission, and said control monitor having means for indicating said transmitter operating condition.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The distress signal transmitting system of claim 1 wherein said distinguishable transmission has single frequency modulation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The distress signal transmitting system of claim 1 wherein said means for indicating transmitter operation condition includes visual means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The distress signal transmitting system of claim 1 wherein said means for indicating transmitter operating condition includes audio means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The distress signal transmitting system of claim 1 wherein said means for indicating transmitter operating condition includes both visual and audio means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The distress signal transmitting system of claim 5 wherein said visual and audio means includes an LED and a speaker.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The distress signal transmitting system of claim 1 wherein said means to indicate transmitter operating condition includes means to indicate said distinguishable transmission or said transmission with sweep frequency modulation.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
The distress signal transmitting system of claim 7 wherein said means to indicate said distinguishable transmission or said transmission with sweep frequency modulation includes audio means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The distress signal transmitting system of claim 8 wherein said audio means is a speaker.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The distress signal transmitting system of claim 1 wherein said monitor has additional means to control transmitter operating condition.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
87 words
A distress signal transmitting system located within a vehicular body comprising a distress transmitter at one position of said body and a control monitor at another position within said body which is convenient to an operator and remote from said transmitter, said transmitter being electrically connected to said control monitor and having means for providing operating condition alternatives of transmission with sweep frequency modulation, transmission that is distinguishable from said transmission with sweep frequency modulation, and said control monitor having means to control said operating condition alternatives.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
87 words
A distress signal transmitting system located within a vehicular body comprising a distress transmitter at one position of said body and a control monitor at another position within said body which is convenient to an operator and remote from said transmitter, said transmitter being electrically connected to said control monitor and having means for providing operating condition alternatives of transmission with sweep frequency modulation, transmission that is distinguishable from said transmission with sweep frequency modulation, and said control monitor having means to control said operating condition alternatives.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
26 words
The distress signal transmitting system of claim 11 wherein said transmitter operating condition alternatives include said transmission with sweep frequently modulation, said distinguishable transmission, and non-transmission.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
36 words
The distress signal transmitting system of claim 11 wherein said control monitor includes further means to reset said transmitter to an arm condition, said resetting means including means to place a G-switch in an open position.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
19 words
The distress signal transmitting system of claim 11 wherein said control monitor has additional means to indicate transmitter operation.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
16 words
The distress signal transmitting system of claim 11 wherein said distinguishable transmission has single frequency modulation.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
76 words
A distress signal transmitting system located within a vehicular body comprising a distress transmitter at one position of said body and a control monitor at another position within said body which is convenient to an operator and remote from said transmitter, said transmitter being electrically connected to said control monitor by an interface unit including a multi-wire cable, said interface unit including means to protect said transmitter from disablement in the event said cable is damaged.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
76 words
A distress signal transmitting system located within a vehicular body comprising a distress transmitter at one position of said body and a control monitor at another position within said body which is convenient to an operator and remote from said transmitter, said transmitter being electrically connected to said control monitor by an interface unit including a multi-wire cable, said interface unit including means to protect said transmitter from disablement in the event said cable is damaged.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
27 words
The distress signal transmitting system of claim 16 wherein said means to protect said transmitter from disablement includes a.c. driven, capacitor coupled circuitry within said interface unit.
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) | 1991-10-11 | 1992-04-11 | 1992-10-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-10-11 | 1996-04-11 | 1996-10-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-10-11 | 2000-04-11 | 2000-10-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |