Precision approach path indicator systems and light assemblies useful in same
First Claim
1. A precision approach path indicator system effective in providing approach slope guidance for aircraft approaching an airport runway, the system comprisinga plurality of light assemblies positioned on or in proximity to an airport runway, and structured to be effective in providing approach slope guidance light signals to a pilot of an aircraft approaching a runway, each light assembly comprising a first array of first light emitting diodes which emit light of a first color, a first mirrored surface positioned to reflect light emitted from the first array of first light emitting diodes, a second array of second light emitting diodes which emit light of a second color different from the first color, and a second mirrored surface positioned to reflect light emitted from the second array of second light emitting diodes, and a projection lens positioned to allow light reflected by the first and second mirrored surfaces to pass therethrough, provided that substantially no light emitted from the first array of first light emitting diodes is reflected from the second mirrored surface and substantially no light emitted from the second array of second light emitting diodes is reflected from the first mirrored surface.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Precision approach path indicator systems (PAPIs) effective in providing approach slope guidance for aircraft approaching an airport runway are provided. Such PAPIs include a plurality of light assemblies positioned on or in proximity to an airport runway and structured or configured to be effective in providing approach slope guidance light signals to a pilot of an aircraft approaching a runway. Each light assembly includes a light source comprising light emitting diodes (LEDs), preferably a first array of LEDs and a second array of LEDs.
33 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A precision approach path indicator system effective in providing approach slope guidance for aircraft approaching an airport runway, the system comprising
a plurality of light assemblies positioned on or in proximity to an airport runway, and structured to be effective in providing approach slope guidance light signals to a pilot of an aircraft approaching a runway, each light assembly comprising a first array of first light emitting diodes which emit light of a first color, a first mirrored surface positioned to reflect light emitted from the first array of first light emitting diodes, a second array of second light emitting diodes which emit light of a second color different from the first color, and a second mirrored surface positioned to reflect light emitted from the second array of second light emitting diodes, and a projection lens positioned to allow light reflected by the first and second mirrored surfaces to pass therethrough, provided that substantially no light emitted from the first array of first light emitting diodes is reflected from the second mirrored surface and substantially no light emitted from the second array of second light emitting diodes is reflected from the first mirrored surface.
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10. A method of providing approach slope guidance for aircraft approaching an airport runway, the method comprising:
positioning a plurality of light assemblies on or in proximity to an airport runway, the plurality of light assemblies being effective in providing approach slope guidance light signals to a pilot of an aircraft approaching a runway, each light assembly comprising a first array of first light emitting diodes which emit light of a first color, a first mirrored surface positioned to reflect light emitted from the first array of first light emitting diodes, a second array of second light emitting diodes which emit light of a second color different from the first color, and a second mirrored surface positioned to reflect light emitted from the second array of second light emitting diodes, and a projection lens positioned to allow light reflected by the first and second mirrored surfaces to pass therethrough, provided that substantially no light emitted from the first array of first light emitting diodes is reflected from the second mirrored surface and substantially no light emitted from the second array of second light emitting diodes is reflected from the first mirrored surface. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
Specification