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Location signalling apparatus

  • US 6,195,039 B1
  • Filed: 11/26/1997
  • Issued: 02/27/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/26/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A device for use in conjunction with a flotation device, such as a life vest or a life boat, for locating a person lost at sea, the device comprising:

  • a water-tight container having dimensions sufficiently compact to be carried by a flotation device;

    a signalling apparatus comprising an inflatable balloon, a vessel of pressurized, lighter-than-air gas for inflating the balloon, a flashing light beacon, a GPS receiver, and an RF transmitter;

    a mechanism for inflating the balloon with the gas to deploy the signalling apparatus, the signalling apparatus being encased by the container when not deployed, the pressure vessel, the flashing light beacon, the GPS receiver, and the RF transmitter being hoisted aloft upon the deploying of the signalling apparatus;

    at least one power source for the flashing light beacon, the GPS receiver, and the RF transmitter;

    at least one switch automatically activating the power source when the balloon is inflated and the signalling apparatus is deployed;

    wherein the balloon has radar reflective material disposed thereon, the GPS receiver includes means for determining coordinates of the person lost at sea, the RF transmitter broadcasts the coordinates intermittently with a homing signal, and the flashing beacon light provides a visual signal perceptible in a marine environment;

    wherein the radar reflective material of the balloon, the visual signal of the flashing light beacon, the transmission of the coordinates of the person to be rescued, and the transmission of the homing signal each occur independently and substantially simultaneously when the signalling apparatus is deployed.

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