COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM

• US 3,611,385 A
• Filed: 11/18/1968
• Issued: 10/05/1971
• Est. Priority Date: 11/18/1968
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Thomas F. Mchenry
• Original Assignee: Thomas F. Mchenry
• Inventors: McHenry, Thomas F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Bennett, Jr., Rodney D.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Berger, Richard E.
• Application Number:
  US04/776,657
• Time in Patent Office: 1,051 Days
• Field of Search: 250/83.31R 343/112.4 340/27N
• US Class Current: 342/455
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 11/06 using intensity measurements
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 3/782 Systems for determining direction or deviation from predetermined direction

Abstract

Aircraft are provided with a beacon for generating predetermined repetitive signals and sensors capable of informing the pilot of the presence, direction and range of another approaching aircraft. The sensor units are comprised of at least three detector pairs positioned in three orthogonal axes which are responsive to and generate signals in accordance with the radiation received from the beacon of the approaching aircraft. Signal recognition means are coupled to the detectors for detecting the predetermined repetitive signals and discriminating against all other signals. Logic circuitry is provided for deriving signals indicative of azimuth, elevation and range of the signals from the approaching aircraft, and these signals may be utilized in a display means for providing a visual indication of the position of the approaching aircraft.

Claims

1. An airplane collision avoidance system for detecting and displaying predetermined repetitive signals from approaching aircraft for indicating the location of such aircraft, comprising a. At least three detector pairs positioned in a cube configuration, looking in opposite directions along X-, Y- and Zorthogonal axes which are responsive to and generate signals in accordance with the radiation from said predetermined repetitive signals, b. signal recognition circuit means coupled to each of said detectors for passing the predetermined repetitive signals while discriminating against all other signals, c. means coupled to said signal recognition circuit means for deriving signals indicative of azimuth, elevation and range of said predetermined repetitive signals from an approaching aircraft, and d. display means coupled to said last-named means for providing a visual indication of the position of the approaching aircraft.

2. An airplane collision avoidance system for detecting and displaying predetermined repetitive signals from approaching aircraft for indicating the location of such aircraft, comprising a. at least three detector pairs positioned looking in opposite directions along X-, Y- and Z-orthogonal axes which are responsive to and generate signals in accordance with the radiation from said predetermined repetitive signals, b. signal recognition circuit means coupled to each of said detectors for passing the predetermined repetitive signals while discriminating against all other signals, c. ratio means coupled to said signal recognition means providing a ratio signal between the detectors on said X and Y axis for producing a signal indicating azimuth position, d. adder means coupled to said signal recognition means for adding signals of the detectors on said X and Y axes, e. means coupled to said signal recognition circuit means for deriving signals indicative of azimuth, elevation and range of said predetermined repetitive signals from an approaching aircraft, and f. display means coupled to said last named means for providing a visual indication of the position of the approaching aircraft.

3. The airplane collision avoidance system set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said detectors is provided with a reflective collar.

4. The airplane collision avoidance system set forth in claim 2 wherein said detector pairs are positioned in a cube configuration.

5. The airplane collision avoidance system set forth in claim 2 wherein each of said detectors is provided with a reflective Collar.

6. The airplane collision avoidance system set forth in claim 2 including means for periodically inhibiting and resetting said display means.