Kite illumination system
US5000402A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 29, 1990 |
| Grant date | Mar 19, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 29, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S362/802
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Kite illuminators for night use each have an electric lamp, battery, and mercury switch to control the lamp. The switches respond to both gravity and kite acceleration (or to wind). The lamps light in response to kite motions or tilts. This conserves batteries and also conveys information to the user about the attitude and motions of the kite. Illuminators are mounted on the kite frame or clipped to rings permanently fastened to the kite string, and may be unclipped for day use. Phosphorescent materials are used, as on the rings, to augment and retain the light from the lamps. One illuminator is string-mounted to shine on the kite surface, and flashes upon jerking of the kite string. A two-bulb kite-mounted illuminator lights on one side or the other depending upon the attitude of the kite to the vertical. A tail illuminator responds to motions of the tail to flash. Additional string-mounted units shine on phosphorescent streamers. The four types together form a kite illumination system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.