System and method for extending the life of aircraft anti-collision lights
US5206644A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 26, 1991 |
| Grant date | Apr 27, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 26, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05B41/42
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for extending the useful life of anti-collision lights comprising inert gas flash tubes and which are included on commercial, military, and business jet aircraft. When the aircraft is cruising in high altitude tightly controlled airspace (where instrument flight rules are controlling, i.e., at altitudes above 18,000 feet), and when the aircraft is not undergoing a substantial change in altitude, the power input to the anti-collision lights is reduced. The reduction in the power provides a significant increase in the useful life of the flash tube while causing only slight reduction in the intensity of the light output of the flash tube.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.