DEVICE FOR LOCATING CRASHED AIRCRAFT

• US 20120100818A1
• Filed: 06/11/2010
• Published: 04/26/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 06/15/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Save-Dummy S.L.
• Original Assignee: SAVE-DUMMY, S.L.º
• Inventors: Santiago Fontaina, José María
• Granted Patent: US 8,766,820 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/96
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 2045/0065 Black boxes, devices automatically broadcasting distress signals
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 45/00 Aircraft indicators or protectors not otherwise provided for camouflage F41H3/00

Abstract

The present invention consists of a device especially configured for enabling locating an aircraft quickly which due to an accident has fallen in an area where the search for the remains is especially difficult, such as the sea or mountainous areas. It is made up of a container (1) with an automated lock (7) divided internally into two chambers (2 and 3) in which metal sheets (4) and hollow spheres (5) are introduced; an attached beacon (6), a memory circuit (14); and it is operated by means of an automated control. All these elements form an assembly as a result of a protective and waterproof shell (8) joining them together. It also has an anchor (10) joining it to the outer part of the aircraft where it is arranged, which allows automating the release of the device as the result of a signal indicating the imminence of an accident.

Claims

1. A device for locating crashed aircraft, comprising a container divided internally into two innter chambers and having an automated lock;

an attached beacon, an attached memory circuit; and

operated by an automated control, wherein metal sheets and reflecting hollow spheres are introduced in said inner chambers of the container.

2. The device for locating crashed aircraft according to claim 1, wherein the container and the beacon form an assembly including a waterproof shell which keeps them joined together.

3. The device for locating crashed aircraft according to claim 1, the cover having air inlet ducts which are connected to respective inner chambers of the container.

4. The device for locating crashed aircraft according to claim 1, furthering comprising an anchor on an outside which is fixed to a base.

5. The device for locating crashed aircraft according to claim 4, wherein the anchor fixed to the base can be automatically released as the result of a signal given by the control system.

6. The device for locating crashed aircraft according to claim 1, wherein the control system has an altitude gauge and timer, and memory for sequencing the activations.

7. The device for locating crashed aircraft according to claim 1, wherein the lock is a check valve preventing entry of water.

8. The device for locating crashed aircraft according to claim 1, further comprising a memory circuit connected to the control system.