Location indicator for lost aircraft

• US 3,945,338 A
• Filed: 11/13/1974
• Issued: 03/23/1976
• Est. Priority Date: 11/13/1974
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Affonso Henriques Correa
• Original Assignee: Affonso Henriques Correa
• Inventors: Correa, Affonso Henriques
• Primary Examiner(s): Swisher, S. Clement
• Assistant Examiner(s): Corr, Denis E.
• Application Number:
  US05/523,540
• Time in Patent Office: 496 Days
• Field of Search: 116/124 B, 116/DIG. 8, 116/DIG. 9, 9/9, 46/90, 46/88, 46/87, 343/706, 23/281, 280/150 AB
• US Class Current: 116/210
• CPC Class Codes: B63C 7/26 Means for indicating the location of underwater objects, e.g. sunken vessels means for searching for underwater objects B63C11/48; buoys in general B63B22/00
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 5/002 Distress signalling devices, e.g. rescue balloons vehicle optical signalling for indicating emergencies B60Q1/52
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 116/09 Balloons

Abstract

A location indicator for lost aircraft comprises a deflated balloon stored within an aircraft is connected to an inflator which is capable of generating a large quantity of lighter-than-air gas in less than one second in response to an omnidirectional crash sensor to inflate the balloon. The balloon is connected to the aircraft by a reeled line which becomes unreeled as the inflated balloon rises from the aircraft. The balloon is thus maintained at a predetermined height above the aircraft so as to be clearly visible for a long distance.

Claims

1. A location indicator for lost aircraft comprising omnidirectional crash sensor means, means comprising an automobile air cushion inflator for generating a charge of lighter-than-air gas in response to said crash sensor means, said inflator comprises a small cylinder of stored gas and a solid propellant which produces a large amount of gas upon burning, an inflatable balloon having a check valve in the mouth thereof releaseably attached to said gas generating means in the deflated condition to receive said charge of gas so as to become inflated and buoyant in less than 1 second, and a reeled line connecting the balloon to the aircraft so that the balloon is maintained in spaced relation to the aircraft.

2. A location indicator as claimed in claim 1 and a weight on the balloon so that the balloon will float on the surface of the water should the balloon become released when the aircraft is submerged in water.

3. A location indicator as claimed in claim 1 and a luminescent coating on the balloon.

4. A location indicator as claimed in claim 1 and further comprising an aircraft fuselage having a compartment in an upper portion thereof, a door closing said compartment and opening upon impact of the aircraft, said balloon being disposed in said compartment.