Platform transmitter terminal (PTT) for use with an ARGOS type satellite system and utilizing a solar array/rechargeable battery power source
First Claim
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1. A portable transmitter for transmitting information to an earth satellite, comprising:
- a rechargeable battery;
a solar array operably connected to said battery for charging said rechargeable battery;
a transmitter means for sending information to a satellite; and
,a load control means operably connected to said rechargeable battery and said transmitter means, for operably actuating said transmitter means when the voltage level of said rechargeable battery reaches a first threshold level and for deactivating said transmitter means when the voltage level of said rechargeable battery subsequently falls to a second lower threshold level, wherein said load control means further includes a controller means, for sequentially applying power to components of said transmitter means during each transmission cycle that said transmitter means is actuated.
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Abstract
An improved platform transmitter terminal (PTT) is disclosed for use in an ARGOS type satellite system. The PTT has reduced size, weight and extended life due to a solar array/rechargeable battery power source operating under the supervision of a unique power supply control and protection means. The invented PTT, when used in an ARGOS type system, opens the possibility of tracking, on a global basis, wild animals weighing as little as a few kilograms.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A portable transmitter for transmitting information to an earth satellite, comprising:
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a rechargeable battery; a solar array operably connected to said battery for charging said rechargeable battery; a transmitter means for sending information to a satellite; and
,a load control means operably connected to said rechargeable battery and said transmitter means, for operably actuating said transmitter means when the voltage level of said rechargeable battery reaches a first threshold level and for deactivating said transmitter means when the voltage level of said rechargeable battery subsequently falls to a second lower threshold level, wherein said load control means further includes a controller means, for sequentially applying power to components of said transmitter means during each transmission cycle that said transmitter means is actuated. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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2. A portable transmitter for transmitting information to an earth satellite, comprising:
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a rechargeable battery; a solar array operably connected to said battery for charging said rechargeable battery; a transmitter means for sending information to a satellite; and
,a load control means operably connected to said rechargeable battery and said transmiter means, for operably actuating said transmitter means when the voltage level of said rechargeable battery reaches a first threshold level and for deactivating said transmitter means when the voltage level of said rechargeable battery subsequently falls to a second lower threshold level, wherein said load control means further includes a charge rate control means, operably connected to said solar array and said rechargeable battery, for switching a current limiting means in series with said solar array when the voltage level of said rechargeable battery reaches a first threshold level and for switching out said current limiting means when the voltage lelvel of said rechargeable battery subsequently falls to a second lower threshold level. - View Dependent Claims (3)
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4. A portable transmitter for transmitting information to an earth satellite, comprising:
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a rechargeable battery; a solar array connected to said battery for charging said rechargeable battery; a transmitter means for sending information to a satellite; and
,a load control means operably connected to said rechargeable battery and said transmitter means, for operably actuating said transmitter means when the voltage level of said rechargeable battery reaches a first threahold level and for deactivating said transmitter means when the voltage level of said rechargeable battery subsequently falls to a second lower threshold level, wherein said load control means further includes a protection means for switching a discharge load in series with said rechargeable battery when said transmitter means produces a continuous signal over a certain time signal in excess of a set standard, and for switching out said discharge load when the voltage level of said rechargeable battery subsequently falls below a certain threshold. - View Dependent Claims (5)
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12. A portable transmitter for transmitting information to an earth satellite, comprising:
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a rechargeable battery; a solar array operably connected to said rechargeable battery for charging said rechargeable battery; a transmitter means for sending information to a satellite; a load control means operably connected to said rechargeable battery and said transmitter means, for operably actuating said transmitter means when the voltage level of said rechargeable battery reaches a first threshold level and for deactuating said transmitter means when the voltage level of said rechargeable battery subsequently falls to a lower threshold level; a charge rate control means, operably connected to said solar array and said rechargeable battery, for switching a current limiting means in series with said solar array when the voltage level of said rechargeable battery reaches a first threshold level and for switching out said current limiting means when the voltage level of said rechargeable battery subsequently falls to a second lower threshold level; and
,a protection means for switching a discharging load in series with said rechargeable battery, when said transmitter means produces a continuous signal over a certain time interval in excess of a set standard, and for switching out said discharge load when the voltage level of said rechargeable battery falls below a certain threshold level. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
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Specification