GPWS autopilot monitor
US5585791A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 24, 1995 |
| Grant date | Dec 17, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 24, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01C5/005
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A warning system for aircraft equipped with an autopilot system having a radio altitude hold (R/A HOLD) function and/or a barometric altitude hold (ALTITUDE HOLD) function monitors the R/A HOLD and ALTITUDE HOLD function control switches, as well as the touch-controlled steering (TCS) control to determine when the functions have been engaged. When either of the R/A HOLD or ALTITUDE HOLD function control switches are selected while the autopilot system is engaged, the system samples the radio altitude or barometric altitude at the moment that the R/A HOLD or ALTITUDE HOLD functions are selected and stores the sample as a reference or datum. The system then compares the current radio altitude or barometric altitude with the datum. Should the actual radio altitude or barometric altitude exceed the datum by a predetermined amount, a warning is generated. In order to prevent spurious warnings, the system is disabled when the touch-control steering is active.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.