Method and apparatus to sense aircraft pilot ejection for rescue radio actuation
US5894285A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 29, 1997 |
| Grant date | Apr 13, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 29, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64D25/10
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A sensor apparatus to sense when an aircraft pilot has ejected is provided for safe actuation of a rescue locator radio. The ejection sensor apparatus (20) has a microphone (40), an accelerometer (35) and logic for determining that a pilot ejection event has occurred. The microphone (40) detects the differences in sound level (30) from normal cockpit noise to those during ejection and after deployment of a rescue chute. The accelerometer (35) detects the differences in acceleration level (25) during ejection and after deployment of a rescue chute. Pre-programmed acceptance templates (55) are compared in a digital processor (60) to ensure that ejection has occurred before a rescue radio (90) is activated. A manual turn on delay or turn off capability for the rescue radio is provided for facilitation of communications. Encrypted GPS location information and a pilot code are also included in the rescue radio transmission.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.