RAPCON-control tower coordination system
US4006446A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 8, 1976 |
| Grant date | Feb 1, 1977 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 8, 1996 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG08G5/727
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A visual communication system using color coded lights through which the RAPCON facility at an airport keeps the control tower informed as to the status of aircraft under its control. Three approach zones based on distance from the runway are defined by the colors white, amber, and green, green being closest to the runway. Keyboards are provided at the RAPCON and the control tower, each having three illuminated primary white, amber, and green keys and three illuminated secondary white, amber, and green keys, the primary keys representing the lead aircraft in their zones and the secondary keys representing a second aircraft, if any, in the zone. Upon entry of an aircraft into a zone, the RAPCON operator actuates a primary or secondary key for that zone, as appropriate, causing flashing illumination of the key. The control tower acknowledges by momentarily depressing the flashing key, which steadies its illumination. The RAPCON operator can cancel the illumination of a key, either flashing or steady, by redepressing the key. Provision is made for automatic cancellation of primary key illumination when the primary or secondary key of the next zone nearer the runway is actuated, and fo…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.