Rescue device

• US 20020053974A1
• Filed: 10/09/2001
• Published: 05/09/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 11/09/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Synergy Microsystems, Inc. (Curtiss-Wright Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Synergy Microsystems, Inc. (Curtiss-Wright Corporation)
• Inventors: Beken, Robert A.
• Granted Patent: US 6,552,652 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/539.1
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 22/003 adapted for being launched from an aircraft or water vehicle;, e.g. with brakes deployed in the water
• CPC Class Codes: B63C 9/0005 by means of alarm devices for persons falling into the water, e.g. by signalling, by controlling the propulsion or manoeuvring means of the boat alarms responsive to presence of persons in a body of water in general G08B21/08
• CPC Class Codes: B63C 9/08 Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like non-sinkable swimsuits, drawers or trunks A41D7/001 ; equipment for swimming A63B, e.g. swimming aids other than life-buoys or life-belts A63B31/00, teaching frames for swimming, swimming boards A63B69/14
• CPC Class Codes: B63C 9/20 characterised by signalling means, e.g. lights arrangement or adaptation of signalling or lighting devices for ships or other waterborne vessels B63B45/00
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 5/0027 of actual mobile position, i.e. position determined on mobile

Abstract

A rescue device with a GPS receiver, a computer, and vibration sensors. The device detects and distinguishes vibrations and sends a radio message to a Low Earth Orbit satellite that relays messages to a monitoring facility indicating the type of vibration detected. The geographic location of the device is included in the message. The entire device is constructed to resist vandalism and to permit it to be dropped from an aircraft for installation.

Claims

1. A rescue device to signal for help from a remote area, said rescue device comprising:

a) a casing having inner and outer surfaces, and said casing being mounted vertically, and having a top and a bottom;

b) markings on said outer surface of said casing indicating how to use said rescue device to signal for help;

c) a vibration sensor mounted on said inner surface of said casing for detecting vibrations; and

d) communications means within said casing activated by said vibration sensor for sending a signal for help;

whereby help will be summoned when the casing is vibrated.

2. The rescue device of claim 1 including vibration inducing means mounted to said outer surface of said casing to induce vibrations in said rescue device.

3. The rescue device of claim 2 wherein said vibration inducing means includes a ring surrounding and movably attached to said outer surface of said casing.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein said communications means comprises transmitter and antenna means for sending signals, said transmitter means is contained within said casing, said antenna means is flush-mounted to said casing, and said transmitter means is connected electrically to said antenna.

5. The device of claim 4 including battery means within said casing and connected electrically to said transmitter means.

6. The device of claim 5 including solar panel array means mounted to the exterior surface of the casing and connected electrically to said battery means.

7. The device of claim 6 including a conical tip having a point attached axially aligned to said bottom of said casing with said point down, and a movable shock mount within said casing supporting said transmitter, whereby said rescue device may be installed by air dropping into the ground.

8. The rescue device of claim 6 including a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver within said casing, a GPS antenna mounted to said top of said casing and connected electrically to said GPS receiver, and an electronic controller means within said casing connected electrically to said vibration sensor, transmitter means, and GPS, whereby the location of said rescue device may be communicated automatically.

9. The device of claim 8 including a conical tip having a point, said tip attached axially aligned to said bottom of said casing with said point down, a movable shock mount within said casing, said transmitter means, GPS receiver, and electronic controller means are mounted to said shock mount, whereby said rescue device may be installed by air dropping.

10. The device of claim 9 wherein said casing is made of 0.5 inch thick steel, and said casing is at least eight feet in length.

11. The device of claim 9 wherein said shock mount is a cylinder of elastomeric material within said casing, axially aligned with said casing, and in tight contact with said inner surface of said casing, whereby it can slide to absorb shock.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein said elastomeric material contains an air passage for equalizing air pressure within said casing, whereby the pneumatic shock absorbing qualities of said shock mount are enhanced.

13. The device of claim 1 additionally comprising a coating on the outer surface of said casing, which coating glows in the dark.

14. The device of claim 1 wherein said communication means is connected to the Internet and messages are routed as e-mail.

15. The device of claim 8 including a signaling device connected electrically to said controller.

16. A method for installing said rescue device of claim 9, including the steps of:

a) transporting said rescue device to a selected site by an aircraft;

b) testing soil conditions at said selected site by dropping test darts;

c) determining the height of said aircraft at said selected site according to said soil conditions; and

d) dropping said rescue device at said selected height.